SocCetg 


INQUIRY  ON  MISSIONS 

AND 

THE  STATE  OF  RELIGION. 


I THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY,  | 

Princeton,  N.  J.  jj 

- j.- — r^*»2u<  v c. 

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§ Hook,  it* 

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V ' * : 3 


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OF 

LETTERS 

RELATIVE  TO  FOREIGN  MISSIONS  ; 
CONTAINING  SEVERAL  OF  MELVJLL  HORNE’s 

“ LETTERS  ON  MISSIONS,” 

AND  INTERESTING  COMMUNICATIONS 

FROM  FOREIGN  MISSIONARIES. 

INTERSPERSED  WITH  OTHER  EXTRACTS. 


ANDOVER : 

Printed  by  Galen  Ware . 

1 8 10. 

* [z*/CZ  THIRTY  CZATS.l 


THE  reader  is.  requested  to  correct  with  hist 
ihe  following,  which  are  the  principal  errors,  before^ 
reads  the  hook. 

Page  2,  line  9 for  immortalities,  read  immoralities. 

13, 38, — them  the,  read  them  to  the. 

24, 3c, — many,  read  may. 

33, 1 6,— pity,  read  piety. 

39, 6, — tophies,  read  trophies. 

— , 8, — general!,  read  generally. 

i|2, 13, — dath,  read  death. 

43, 3> — knowlede,  read  knowledge. 

45, 34, — ourselaes,  read  ourselves. 

— } 36, — every,  read  very. 

V7> 5,— pirir,  read  spifit. 

36, 17, — oy,  read  joy. 

89, 36, — wether,  read  whether. 

i 1 1., 23, — tophies,  read  trophies. 

; « r, 26 — form  read  from. 


LETTERS^ ' 

r ’ ^ * ‘ 


MISSIONS. 


Addressed  to  the  Protestant  Ministers  of  the 
British  Churches.  By  melvill  horne. 
Late  Chaplain  of  Sierra  Leone  in  Africa. 


flTHEM  AND  BRETHREN  IN  THE  GOSPEL  MINISTRY, 

FROM  the  pulpit,  and  from  the  press,  we  frequently 
hear  loud  calls  on  Christians  to  respect  the  interests  of 
their  several  Churches  One  whi'e,  we  of  the  Estab- 
lishment turn  the  attention  of  our  brethren  to  the  a- 
larming  progress  of  Dissenters,  and  exhort  each  other 
to  a skilful  opposition  against  Sectaries.  Another 
while;  Dissenters  rouse  the  languid  seal  of  their  peo- 
ple, descanting  on  the  excellence  of  their  own  modes  of 
faith  and  worship,  and  indulging  vehement  invective 
against  the  avarice,  the  .sloth,  and  the  lordliness  of 
Episcopalians.  We  talk  of  the  Interests  of  the  Estab- 
lishment, the  Dissenting  Cause , the  Baptist  and  Independent 
Interests , the  Methodist  Cause , and  the  like,  until  we  lose 
sight  of  the  Christian  Cause , the  Common  Interests  of 
mankind,  and  the  diligent,  peaceable  service  of  our 
Master.  Thus  do  we  forsake  the  sublime  of  religion, 


FIRST  LETTER. 


2 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


si'  k Into  the  meanness  of  partizans,  and  inspire  our 
flicks  v\ith  a fieice,  sectarian  zeal.  We  first  baptise 
cur^pehlir  interests  and  evil  tempers  into  the  name  of 
the  disinterested  and  lowly  Jesu-  ; and,  then,  contend 
far  them,  with  as  much  warmth  and  pertinacity,  as  tho* 
they  involved  our  salvation.  Is  not  this  to  fight  for 
Barabbas,  and  to  crucify  Jesus  ? 

While  we  are  engaged  after  this  goodly  sort,  infidel- 
ity increases,  immor\  dties  are  multiplied,  the  spirit  of 
the  world  domineers  in. the  Church  ; and  its  pomps 
and  vanities  insult  the  standard  of  the  cross.  While 
the  Ministers  of  Christ  sleep,  and  indulge  their  ease  ; 
while  they  sacrifice  to  the  graces  and  muses ; while 
they  aspire  tc  the  reputation  of  polite  learning,  or  pro- 
found science  ; while  they  toil  in  philosophical  research, 
or  in  planting  and  watering  the  tree  of  civil  liberty, 
our  Adversary  sleeps  not.  With  unwearied  vigilance, 
he  makes  hea .!  against  the  kingdom  of  Christ ; and, 
not  content  wi  h possessing  his  own  dominions  in  p ace, 
he  wars  on  the  little  territory  of  Jesus,  mikes  bold  in- 
roads into  the  n -rt  ,f  Christendom,  and  strives  to  ui.- 
posse's  us  of  what  we  h:/e  won  from  his  empire,  by 
the  labor  of  ages,  and  with  the  blood  of  an  arm^of 
martyrs. 

Bat  a few  years  h.ve  elapsed,  since  a learned  Eng- 
lishman entered  upon  a calculation  to  show,  th  rt 
were  the  habitable  world  divided  into  thirty  parts, 
nineteen  would  be  claimed  by  the  Heathen,  six  w >uld 
fall  to  the  Mahometan,  and  .ive  only  would  remain  to  be 
apportioned  am  mg  the  divided  followers  of  the  catho- 
lic J^sus.  Whether  this  cal  ulation  be  strict’y  accurate 
is  of  trivial  consequence  ; but  we  must  all  be  deeply 
aff.cied  by  the  lamentable  view  of  human  nature 
which  it  affords  us.  Alas  ! if  every  sincere  Chri-.tian 
may  Say,  with  the  Psalmist,  My  heart  teacheth  sue  'he 
wickedness  of  the  ungodly  ; and,  if  to  this,  he  may 
add,  as  we  ail  allow  he  may,  My  own  house,  my  own 
favorite  sect,  my  own  privileged  couutry,  ana  the 


ON  MISSIONS. 


3 


Christian  Church,  give  sad  testimony  to  the  extensive 
sovereignty  exercised  by  the  God  of  this  world,  To 
what  conclusion  are  we  led  with  respect  to  the  religious 
state  of  the  Heathen  and  Mahometan  nations  ? 

The  conclusion  is  obvious  : if  the  nature  of  man  be 
essentially  the  same,  in  every  age  and  climate  ; and 
if  the  Christian  religion  be  true,  the  people,  who  have 
not  our  advantages,  must  greatly  suffer  from  the  want 
of  them  ; and  bad  as  Christendom  is,  the  Heathen 
world  must  be  much  worse,  being  sunk  more  deeply 
than  ourselves  in  positive  ignorance  and  vice.  If  this 
mode  of  reasoning  be  thought  exceptionable,  I appeal 
to  matter  of  fact,  as  far  as  we  are  acquainted  with  it,  by 
those  who  have  visited  foreign  parts,  and  have  given  us  a 
candid  account  of  the  mannersof  their  inhabitants.  Should 
a more  elaborate  proof  be  required,  it  cannot  be  cailed  for 
by  any  man  to  whom  these  letters  are  addressed.  Chris- 
tian Ministers  are  too  well  acquainted  with  the  grand, 
exclusive  privilege  of  Christianity,  to  admit  a doubt 
of  what  I assert.  Whatever  sentiments,  Reverend 
Brethren,  may  be  entertained  by  others  on  this  subject 
you  cannot  be  ungrateful  for  the  blessings  of  revelation, 
and  while  you  rejoice  in  those  blessings,  you  must  have 
a Benevolent  desire  to  communicate  them  to  a pe  pie, 
•who  knew  not  the  only  true  God  and  Jesus  Christ  whom  he 
hath  sent. 

When  we  consider  this  deep  spiritual  poverty  of  a 
major  part  of  our  fellow  men,  we  are  admonished,  that 
it  becomes  us  to  do  something  for  their  relief.  On 
this  we  seem  agreed  ; but,  I am  soirv  to  remark, 
that  we  agree,  more  generally,  to  neglect  our  duty, 
than  to  acknowledge  its  obligation.  Satisaed  with  the 
cola  approbation  of  a duty,  which  it  is  impossible  for 
us  not  to  feel,  we  dismiss  prospects  of  wretchedness  too 
oppressive  for  our  faith  and  love  ; and  console  our- 
selves with  the  u 'intelligible  hope,  that  the  Almighty 
will  execute,  somehow,  and  at  some  time,  by  worthier 
hands,  a work  too  great,  and  too  dangerous,  for  us  lit- 
tle men. 

A z 


4 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


Fathers,  Brethren,  Ministers  of  Christ,  in  the  pres- 
ence of  God,  I charge  you  — [ charge  myself,  with  be- 
traying the  grand  interests  of  our  master,  by  refusing 
to  prop.ig.ue  his  gospel.  I charge  you  with  the  h it-i  - 
ua!>  open  violati  n of  Christ’s  command.  Go,  preach  the 
g'spel  to  every  creature.  1 charge  you  with  the  unspeak- 
able gui't  of  burying  in  a napkin,  those  unsearchable 
riches,  which  the  Apostle  St  Paid  thought  it  the  hon- 
or of  his  life  to  preach  to  the  Gentiles  Lastly,  l 
ch  rge  you  with  doing  this  without  shame,  without 
remorse,  and  almost  without  an  effort  to  do  the  con- 
tnry.  These,  Revetend  Brethren,  are  heavy  charges  ; 
but  l shall  not  find  it  difficult  to  avoid  the  punishment 
of  a calumniator,  by  substantiating  them  in  the  pro- 
gress of  these  letters,  which  have  for  their  object  the 
spread  of  the  Gospel,  and  the  salvation  of  the  Hea- 
then. 

To  this  object,  therefore,  I solicit  your  attention. 
And,  by  the  mercies  of  God,  f beseech  you — by  the 
bi'»o4  of  J -bUs,  and  by  our  common  hope,  grant  me  a 
pitient  hearing.  Suffer  not  my  obscurity  to  operate 
as  a prejudice  against  the  cause  1 plead*  I neither  de- 
prec  te  your  censure,  nor  dare  1 despise  it.  But  per- 
mi  me  to  hope,  that  no  infelicities  of  style,  nor  defect 
or  genius,  nor  of  judgment,  wkh  which  the  subject 
is  proposed,  may  be  allowed  to  obscure  its  splendor,  or 
det*  ci  from  its  worth.  Wou  d to  God  tnat  some  one 
among  you,  whose  name  is  vend  able  amon  g the  Church- 
es, had  stepped  foiward  to  save  me  from  the  odium 
cf  this  address  ! But  since  You,  wh  > have  characters 
to  io-e,  do  not  care  to  hazard  them  by  b -coming  re- 
provers in  the  midst  of  your  bretl  r n.  allow  me,  who 
am  wrhout  a name,  to  aspire  to  the  ho-.mu  of  incur- 
ring censure  for  telling  truths  which  none  of  us  like  to 
hear,  or  wish  to  believe  ; and  foi  leiiing  th  m with  that 
plainness  which  they  requiie. 

W en  1 consider,  on  lac  one  hand,  the  promise  and 
faithfulness  of  God,  who  cannot  lie,  and,  on  the  other, 


ON  Mrs - IONS. 


5 


the  noble  cau?e  I e>p  ms  *,  1 am  animated  with  s'rorg 
c 'fifidence  am*  hope  I cotne  f>:  v -.rd,  not  as  a sectar  y, 
n it  as  th-.  leader  of  a secc.  1 .na  .iot  encumbered  wi,h 
polemic  armour,  nor  heated  with  polemc  z • il.  It  is 
n a a question  in  science,  politics,  or  in  r?,h,  which  I 
lay  before  you.  The  subject  1 assert  i ivo!  res  the  hon- 
or of  our  Religion,  the  .incerity  of  iter  M nisters,  the 
glory  of  Christ,  and  the  jest  interests  of  men  i’he  de- 
legation I pietend  to  is  authoritative  ; and  I m justi- 
fied in  speaking,  with  all  bo.dness,  the  truth  cl  he 
God  l serve,  in  the  gospel  nt  his  Son.  D.pense  t aen,  I 
beseech  you,  with  all  complmaentai  y foi  m-.  ; and  allow 
me  to  address  you,  witn  ministerial  Ireedom,  and  to 
plead  the  cause  I have  undertaken,  with  that  un- 
disguised and  generous  warmth,  wh.ch  it  is  calculated 
to  inspire.  / 

He  thac  fears  men,  when  he  should  speak  bold’y  for 
God  ; and  timidly  dissembles  trutns.  which, if  teit  aright, 
should  he  told  with  the  strongest  tones  of  abhore,.ce, 
indignation,  and  contempt,  will  hardiy  succeed  in  writ- 
ing upon  Missions.  Fhe  subject  calls  1<b  enflhusia-.ni. 
It  requires  vehemence.  Those  feelings  whicW  car.  led 
me  across  the  water,  T still  cherish  in  my  breast.  T y 
will  never  forsake  me.  L rejoice  in  them.  1 wish  to 
impart  them  to  every  Minister  of  Ch  isl,  and  to  every 
child  of  God.  This  I cannot  h >pcj.o  >,  ii  i di  g.  .-e 
or  palliate  lliem-  It  would  concern  me  much  to  in- 
cur the  censure  of  treating  my  Biethren  in  tire  ministry 
with  indecent  freedom  ; but  I cannot  think  that  truth, 
however  severe,  will  offend  tbs  servant-  of  truth  or 
that  any  of  my  Brethren  suppose  them  e ves  entitled  to 
Use  freedoms  with  the  laity/ which  .hey  will  not  bear 
ftom  the  me  nest  of  their  ow  n body.  No,  Brethren. 
VvT.i'e  you  criticise  my  letters,  you  will  applaud  my 
design.  The  esteem  you  entertain  for  integrity  wo  1 
give  mildness  to  your  censures  ; and,  whatever  faults 
your  better  judgment  may  discover  < thh  perform:- 
your  good  wishes  will  accuiipany  it  into  the  world, 


6 HORNE’S  LETTERS 

and  your  prayer  of  faith  drawdown  the  divine  blessing 
upon  it. 

From  the  mercenaries  of  the  Christian  Church,  my  i 
soul  turns  with  loathing.  Though  I could  move  moun- 
tains, they  would  remain  immoveable.  Though  I 
could  inspire  every  real  Christian  with  all  the  sensations 
of  my  own  heart,  the  unprincipled  wretch,  who  sees 
nothing  in  the  gospel  ministry  but  an  affluent  and  gen- 
teel profession,  is  vulnerable  to  no  sentiment  contained 
in  these  letters.  Like  Simon  Magus,  he  has  neither  part 
nor  lot  in  this  matter — Nor  have  I any  thing  to  do  with 
7tiere  moralists.  The  waters  flow  no  higher  than  their 
springs.  The  spirit  of  these  letters  is,  1 flatter  myself 
the  spirit  of  Christ — a spirit  which  they  have  not  re- 
ceived. and,  with  the  things  of  which,  they  are  unac- 
quainted In  their  good  opinion,  I shall,  therefore, 
tlnnk  myself  to  stand  high,  if  1 may  pass  for  a well- 
meaning  enthusiast.  Under  God,  Reverend  Brethren, 
my  hopes  rest  on  You,  who  are  what  you  are  called, 
Christian  Ministers — on  you  who  were  indeed  moved 
to  engage  ia  the  Ministry  by  the  Holy  Ghost,  and  are 
animated  by  a sincere  iove  of  the  Saviour  whoso  great- 
ly loved  you,  and  by  a real  regard  for  the  lost  sheep, 
for  whom  our  great  Shepherd  died.  You  feel  your 
character.  You  have  bowels  and  mercies.  You  are 
the  disinterested  oenefactors  of  mankind,  and  whatever 
concerns  the  kingdom  of  your  Lord  you  call  your  own. 

F r you  these  letters  are  wiitten,  and  to  y ,u  they  be- 
long But,  in  them  your  pious  flocks  will,  also,  claim 
a part,  as  large  as  that  interest,  which  they  have  in  the 
Son  of  David 

As  the  elect  of  God,  holy  and  beloved,  let  us,  then, 
mir.d  the  ihii  gs  of  Chr  ist,  to  whom  we  are  set  apart 
as  a peculiar  people  ; and  revolve  all  possible  means 
of  a vancing  that  glorious  kingdom,  for  the  coming  of 
which  we  daily  (tray  Such  meditations  wil  Ji-pose 
our  hearts  to  peace.  Thti>  will  bea  down  ma  y c~n- 
troveited  subjects,  of  apparent  magnitude,  to  the  hum- 


ON  MISSIONS. 


7 


b'e  level  of  their  real  importance.  As  we  muse  the 
fire  will  kindle  ; and  our  Churches  an!  puhlick  Meet- 
ings. our  families  ani  closets  sh  til  attest  the  animated 
devotion,  with  which  one  Spirit  shall  teach  us  to  crv. 
Let  the  people  praise  thee , 0 GoJ , y a,  let  all  the  people 
praise  thee  ! On  a subject  like  this,  we  cannot  think 
long  without  feeling  its  attractions.  It  will  teach  us 
to  make  our  requests  to  the  Inspirer  of  every  great 
design  ; and,  then,  to  rest  on  h:s  grace,  his  power, 
and  his  faithfulness,  to  accomplish  the  purposes  ot  our 
hearts.  As  we  advance,  discouragements  will  van- 
ish. Obstacles  will  be  overcome,  when  we  learn  to 
think  them  surmountable.  Difficulties  will  be  subdued 
as  we  acquire  courage  to  cope  with  them.  And,  when 
the  honour,  glory  and  immortality  of  our  inesti- 
mable reward,  are  set  full  in  our  view,  no  forms 
of  death  and  suffering  will  affright  us.  Instead  ol 
th  it  despondency,  which  has  long  frozen  our  benev- 
olent wishe--,  hope,  like  the  returning  sun  will  bring  an 
early  spring  and  fruitful  summer  on  our  souls.  1'  le 
spirit  of  our  religion,  lulled  to  lethargic  slumbers,  will 
revive  with  the  energies  of  the  apostolic  age  ; and  the 
Church  will  again  become  illustrious,  by  her  victory 
over  the  kingdoms  of  this  w >r’J. 

And  Thou,  Lord  Jesus,  afflicted  Father  of  the  Chris- 
tian Name,  blessed  Martyr  of  Humanity,  blameless 
Pattern, universal  Priest,  unerring  Teacher,  omnipotent 
King  of  truth,  of  Righteousness,  and  of  peace,  deign 
from  thy  glorious  throne  to  smile  on  this  weak  attempt, 
and  to  accept  this  poor  offering  ! It  is  i tribute 
I present,  for  the  life  thou  hast  given,  for  the  blood 
thou  hast  shed,  and  lor  the  joyous  hopes  thou  hast  in- 
spired, to  cheer,  and  to  direct  my  moital  pilgrimage. 
Meek  sp.  ing  of  heavenly  Wisdom,  boundless  Ocean  >i 
univn-^al,  ardent,  unprovoked,  and  undiscout  aged  Char- 
ity, pour  thy  Spirit  into  my  breast,  and  into  the  breasts 
of  all  thy  servants  whom  1 here  address.  Teach  me 
ani  them  to  interest  out  selves  in  this  blessed  work,  as 


HORNE’S  LETTERS. 


i 

becomes  men,  who  are  distinguished  by  thy  venerable 
name,  and  honored  by  the  ministration  of  '-hy  glorious 
gospel  ! Baptize  us  with  the  fire  of  that  love  which 
is  stronger  than  death  ! Delightfully  oppress  our  grat- 
itude with  the  everlafting  mountains  of  thy  benefits, 
until  every  fentiment  of  frail  mortality  be  suppreffed— 
until  faith  give  us  the  victory  over  the  world — over  life 
and  death,  until  love  compel  us  to  exclaim,  Tea,  doubt- 
less, and  I count  all  things  but  drofs  that  I may  win  Chrijl  ; 
and  I avi  willing  not  only  to  suffer  bonds , but  to  die  for  the 
sake  of  my  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  whom  I am  crucified  un- 
to the  world  and  the  world  to  me. 

Commending  you,  Reverend  Brethren,  the  Chriftian 
Church,  and  the  benighted  nations,  as  well  as  their  un- 
worthy advocate,  to  his  protection,  who  takes  the  ten- 
dereft  part  in  all  our  concerns,  and  is  able  to  fecure  and 
to  advance  them  to  the  utmost,  I remain,  in  the  honor* 
ed  bonds  of  his  Religion. 

Your  humble,  but  affectionate  Brother, 

M.  U. 


SECOND  LETTER. 

FATHERS  AND  BRETHREN, 

THE  genius  and  spirit  of  our  religion,  the  char- 
acters ascribed  to  our  Lord  of  the  Second  Adam,  of 
the  High  Priest  after  the  order  of  Melchizedeck,  and  of 
a Savior  to  all  people,  with  many  others  of  similar 
significance  ; the  various  scriptures,  which  speak  of  the 
benefits  of  his  death  and  intercession,  of  his  kingdom 
and  reign  ; the  prophecies  and  promises,  loudly  de- 
clare the  intention  of  God,  that  this  last  and  most  per- 
fect dispensation  of  the  everlasting  gospel  sho^Jd  be 
tile  religion  of  every  tribe,  and  kindred,  and  tongue. 
Nay,  we  are  repeatedly  assured,  in  the  most  explicit 
language,  that  it  shall  be  so — that  the  truth  and  mer- 
cy, the  peace  and  righteousness  of  our  Messiah’s  king- 


©N  MISSIONS. 


9 


iotn,  whatever  temporary  checks  they  may  suffer,  shall, 
in  the  end,  overcome  all  opposition  ; and  that  although 
the  river  of  God  may,  for  a time,  be  discolored  and 
polluted,  by  the  pernicious  soil  over  which  it  has  roll- 
ed its  tide,  yet  it  shall,  at  last,  free  itself  from  every 
foreign  mixture,  and  send  forth  its  ten  thousand  pure 
streams,  to  gladden  all  the  nations  of  the  globe. 

How  ought  our  minds  to  be  affected  by  these  pros- 
pects ? May  we  not  infer  from  each  article  of  this  enu- 
meration, and,  much  more,  from  the  aggregate  force 
of  them  all,  that  it  is  our  obvious,  bounden  duty,  as 
servants  of  God,  as  soldiers  of  Christ,  and  as  friends  of 
suffering  humanity,  to  exert  all  our  strength  in  diffem- 
inating  the  gofpel  ? Is  it  not  in  our  power  to  do,  or  at 
leaft,  to  attempt  fomething  worthy  of  the  cause  ? Have 
we  not  fhips,  which  vifit  every  part  of  the  world  i 
Have  we  not  money — money  in  abundance,  if  we  were 
satisfied  to  live  with  Chrillian  fimplicity,  and  could  be 
prevailed  upon  to  part  with  it,  as  men  fhould  do,  who 
have  a better  treasure  in  heaven  ? Have  we  not  minis- 
ter s who  prefer  this  line  of  service,  and  would  gladly 
embark  lor  the  most  barbarous  clime,  if  they  were  a f- 
fured  of  Jpirited  fupport,  and  had  reafon  to  h pe,  that 
the  fruits  of  their  labor  would  not  die  with  themfelves  ? 
And,  if  we  really  have  it  in  our  power  thus  to  ferve 
mankind,  and  to  fpread  our  Redeemer’s  glory,  Is  it  not 
criminal , bafe , infamous  to  neglect  it  ? Is  not  this  infatu- 
ated neg'iger.ce  an  open  vioiation  of  the  precepts  of 
both  tables  of  the  law  ? Do  we  love  God,  revere  his 
majeily,  approve  his  precept',  and  conceive  ourfelves 
bound  by  every  tie,  to  sene  h m,  with  all  our  talents, 
and  v th  ail  our  txrength  ? How  does  this  love,  this 
reverence,  this  approbation,  this  conviction,  accord  with 
the  astonishing  coldnes.-,  with  which  we  lock  upon  a 
wond  uli  of  cruel  habitations;  where  virtue  and  pie- 
t)  fkulk  in  corners  ; where  sin  is  universal,  uncontroll- 
ed and  almost  unchecked  ;*  where  the  hternal  Majefty 
is  aft  onted  by  t,  e abominable  idols  of  the  heathen,  and 
the  bea.tly  image  of  a conupi  Christianity. 


10 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


We  try.  *h^t  to  love  our  m ighbor  as  ou^reVes,  and  to 
do  unto  all  men  aV  we  would  ti  e)  should  eo  un‘o 
ur.  ’f  the* o’  seotjyieeus  veice  of  the  Piophcts  and  A- 
pmt'es,  of  the  law  and  gospel.  We  say  well  ; but  do 
we  do  as  we  siy,  and  practice  as  we  believe  ? Do  we 
love  in  word  and  in  tongue  only,  or  in  d<  ed  and  in 
truth  ? Speak' ye  desolate  shores  of  .Africa  \ declare  }e 
bloody  fields  of  Tndostan  ; bear  \our  impartial  testi- 
mony , ye  numerous  > lands  of  the  Western  and  Pacific 
ocean.-  ! Adas  ! my  Brethren,  we  dare  not  abide  the  is- 
sue of  the  appeal.  We  have  rot  di  ne  unto  'hem.  as 
we  wouid,  were  ciicumstar.  es  changed,  that  they  should 
h™  e done  unto  us.  The  richest  fruit  <f  ur  philanthro- 
p)  has  been  a cold,  ineffective  pity.  We  f u.  ve  said,  Be 
ye  free,  be  ye  civilized,  be  ye  o 'verted  ; but  we  have 
eaten  as  heartily,  slept  as  soundly,  ortsstd  as  expensive- 
ly, and  enjoyed  every  good  thii.g  within  cur  grasp  as 
freely,  as  though  they  had  been  as  happy  as  ourselves. 
We  h :ve  h i f no  fellowship  with  the  Saviour  in  his  ag- 
ony .nd  bio  dy  sweat, inhis  prayers  and  tc.  rs  for  tie 
salvation  of  mankind.  Provided  we  may  live  in 
peace  and  comfort,  do  a little  g ed  in  England,  accu- 
iruLte  fortunes,  marry  wives,  take  care  of  our 
children,  and  creep  into  heaven  at  last  we  appear  sat- 
isfied to  leave  our  Master  to  propagate  his  own  gospel  in 
the  world. 

' To  these  considerations,  which  must  h eve  weight  on 
ingenue  us  minds,  permit  me  to  remind  jou  of  the  sol- 
emn sane  tie  n of  divine  command.  The  following  are 
some  of  the  last  emphatic  words  of  J .us,  as  tin  y stand 
recorded  by  tit.  Mark  and  St.  M..thew  : — Go  into  all 
iL  world  aril  preach  the  gospel  to  every  create  ; a -id 
teach  all  vat  ions,  baptizing  them  in  the  mttn-  of  the  lather 
and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  ^ ost  ; leaching  t-em  to 
t ' . erve  a ii  things , whit  k I have  < ■tmotanded  yon  ; and'to}  I 
ant  with  you  always  even  unto  the  e d i f the  world. 

Sha>l  v e say,  these  irju  ^t'ous  vs  _ 1 ,io  on  die  Apos- 
tles only  l Impossible!  The  genius  of  Chi*j.iaiuty, 


ON  MISSIONS. 


i r 

and  the  spirit  cf  th  e precept,  for' Id  such  anir.terpre- 
taiio  • Let  it  be  observed,  is:.  I he  rrpo.stles  ct id 
not  preach  the  gospel  in  many  countries  beyond  the 
limits  of  the  Roman  empire  . and  it  was,  in  the  nature 
of  things,  impossible  that  they  should  pieach  it  to  all 
nations.  2.  Had  cur  Lord  meant  the  command  to 
oblige  the  Apostles  only,  it  would  have  been  sufficient 
topiomise  his  protection  and  blessing  to  the  end  of 
their  lives  and  ministry,  without  adding  that  grand  am- 
plification, l.o  ! I am  with  yen  always,  etr*  unto  the  tr.d 
tf  the  world . 3 The  fame  reasons,  why  the  Apostles 

fhould  preach  the  gospel  to  every  creature,  exists  in  all 
their  force  at  this  day  ; and  so  far  from  being  antiqua- 
ted and  obsolete,  gain  new  strength  with  the  lapse  of 
ages.  4.  Whatever  exclusive  privileges  the  Apostles 
enjoyed,  as  the  first  promulgators  of  Christianity,  yet 
the  office  and  duty  of  evejy  minister  of  the  gospel  is,  in 
spirit  and  substance,  the  fame  as  theirs.  From  all  these 
considerations,  it  appears,  that  when  our  L^r  J spoke 
these  authoritative  words  he  had  in  contemplation  all  hi« 
ministers  of  eveiy  age  and  nation,  as  we! i as  his  !Eime- 
diate  disciples ; and  that  we  cannot  refuse  euj^iging  in 
miflLns,  without  contempt  of  his  authority,  and 
shameful  deriliction  of  our  duty  to  God  and  men. 

I made  bold  to  charge  you,  Honorable  Brethren,  (im- 
plicating myself  in  the  same  charge)  with  betraying 
the  grand  interests  of  our  Master,  with  the  habitual, 
open  violation  of  his  commands,  and  with  burying  in  a 
napkin  the  sacred  depoiitum  cf  the  gospel.  I think  it 
unnecessary  to  enter  into  a formal  proof  of  crimir.a  - 
tions,  which  the  whole  tenor  of  these  letters  is  intended 
to  substantiate.  Bur,  after  adducing,  from  the  Scrip- 
tures, the  commiffion  under  which  we  act,  and  justi- 
fy our  ministry  in  Britain,  am  I not  authorized  to  ap- 
peal to  your  confluences,  and  ask  you,  Whether  you  are 
not  guilty  of  what  I lay  to  your  charge  i What  "monies 
ksTe  wc  subscribed,  what  af:oc'ations  Lavt  we  formed, 
8 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


1 2 

vh  t prayers  have  we  offered  up,  what  animated  exhor- 
t itioiu  have  we  given  to  our  flocks  and  to  one  another  on 
the  subject  of  missions  ? How  shall  we  exonerate  our- 
selves from  the  enormous  crime  of  which  we  are  guilty  ? 
Hu-li  we  say,  we  were  ignorant  of  our  dutv  ? The 
' old  will  exclaim,  How  dare  you  teach  us  our  duty  as 
Ci.i  istians,  while  you  continue  o grofly  ignorant  of 
your  own  duty  as  Ministers  ? If  wr  plead,  that  we  had 
r.ot  sufficiently  considered  our  duty , is  not  everymanjusti- 
fied  in  retorting.  And  why  did  you  not  consider  ii,  e- 
fore  you  en.cred  upon  the  gospel  ministry  ? In  truth, 
we  have  no  excuse  ; and  it  will  best  become  us  to  blush 
and  weep  in  secret  places,  to  abhor  ourseives  and  to  re- 
pent in  dust  and  Julies. 

Were  I ever  so  much  disposed,  it  would  hardly  be  in 
my  power  to  exaggerate  our  sin  and  shame.  You  know, 
better  than  I can  tell  you  that  the  ultimate  reason  of 
any,  and  of  all  the  commandments,  is  the  will  and  pre- 
cept oi  God  ; and  that  wr  evince  the  same  contempt  of 
his  authority,  by  the  wilfu'  neglect  of  one  clear,  positive 
duiy,  as  though  we  neglected  them  all  According  to 
the  spirituality  of  the  commandment  we  are  chatgesb’e 
w ith  the  perdi  ior.of  all  the  poor  Hearhens  who  >>  our  d ’- 
igence  might  have  saved  ; and  assuredly,  their  souls  wi  J 
the  L >rd  require  at  our  hands  Contrast  the  infamy 
of  out  conduct  with  the  grandeur  of  our  calling,  and 
the  powers  of  language  fail  to  give  just  coloring  to 
our  sin  ! 

Had  the  Apostles  of  our  Lord,  conducted  themselves 
towards  us,  as  we  conduct  ourselves  to  the  Heathen 
world,  not  al!  the  refinements  of  the  eighteenth  centu.  y, 
would  have  emancipated  us  from  the  worship  of  1 h ir 
and  Woden  But  bussed  he  the  God  and  Father  of  nur 
Lord  Jesus  Christ,  their  religion  was  of  a different  tem- 
per Having  received  the  coremiflion  of  their  iHver- 
ci:?n,  they  declined  not  to  engage  in  this  watfare.  Hav- 
ing courted  the  cost  they  entered  into  the  combat,  ike 
sfer.  determined  to  conquer  or  to  die.  Confident  of 


ON  MISSIONS. 


J3 


the  superlative  excellence  of  the  cause,  for  which  they 
had  drawn  the  sword,  they  threw  away  the  seaboard 
and  disdained  capitulation  with  the  world.  l'he  love 
of  Christ,  which  we  coldly  talk  of,  they  warmly  i-:lt. 
They  had  beheld  his  glory,  were  witnesses  of  his  holy 
life  and  blessed  death,  his  victory  over  the  grave,  .nd 
his  afeension  to  heaven  Their  faith  was  a cctnai  end- 
ing evidence  of  things  unseen  and  give  a prese  it 
subsistence  to  things  hoped  for,  they  knew,  emphatic  ti- 
ly,  by  the  witness  of  that  Spirit  in  their  heart  , whi-h 
was  at  once  the  seal  of  their  adoption,  and  the  etra-st 
of  their  inheritance,  the  immense  grace  of  oar  Lot  a 

Jesus  Christ.  His  poverty  had  nude  them  rich 

rich  in  grace,  rich  in  faith,  rich  in  the  promise  and  ve- 
racity of  God  who  cannot  lie  ; nor  would  they  have 
bartered  these  riches  for  all  the  kingdoms  of  the  world, 
and  al!  their  glory.  Poflefled  of  a lively  hope,  they 
purified  themselves  as  God  is  pure  ; and,  enriched  by 
the  liberality  of  Christ,  they  sold  their  possessions  and 
gave  them  to  the  poor,  seeking  for  themselves  better 
■ riches.  As  strangers  and  pilgrims  they  expected  to  be 
hated  by  the  world;  and  determining  faithfully  to  dis- 
charge die  ministry  they  had  received,  they  knew  they 
must  suffer  persecution  ; and  that  men,  who  hated  to  be 
r sf dm td ; '*"'1 ! 41  oursue  to  the  death  those  bold  reformers 
who  obtruded  the  holy  light  of  u iith,  -*‘*d  forcibly  dispel- 
led the  darkness  congenial  to  their  crimes.  To  fuf- 
fer  for  Chrill  was  their  glory  and  their  joy. 
Stripes,  chains  and  death  were  considered  as  the  highest 
honours  of  the  kingdom  of  that  Jesus  who  expired  on 
a cross  ; bestowed  as  the  prize  of  valor,  and  the  re- 
ward of  extensive  services  and  of  the  most  approved 
integrity.  Unawed  by  thofe  terrors  which  lhakc 
our  breads,  as  far  as  reason  would  permit,  they  as- 
pired after  these  honours  ; lived  in  hope  of  the  crown 
of  martrydom  ; and  envied  the  felicity  of  their  fellows, 
who  received  it  before  them.  The  cross  of  Christ  had 
s crucified  thenxThe  world  and  the  world  to  them.  In 

f hr 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


»4 

the  strong  light  which  flowed  from  it,  they  beheld  pover- 
ty and  riches,  ease  and  torture,  honour  and  infamy,  life 
and  death,  with  a placid  mind ; and  the  great  world, 
and  all  thet  it  contained,  was  contracted  to  a point  of 
vanity,  before  the  faded  lu  tre  of  that  eye,  which  wept 
over  its  sins  and  miseries.  Before  that  object  of  endless 
astonishment,  adoration  and  love,  they  died  to  them- 
selves and  revived  again  to  live  to  him.  They  were  not 
their  own  bu'  his  His  blood  had  bought  them,  and  his 
love  constraint!  them  to  do  and  suffer  ail  things  for  his 
fake.  They  had  no  reserves,  no  drawbacks  on  their 
faith  ; but,  having  given  in  their  names  to  Christ, 
they  would  have  judged  themselves  worthy  of  the  fate 
or  Annanias  and  Saphiia,  if  they  defrauded  him  of  their 
lives  and  fortunes.  With  them,  all  was  sacred.  It 
was  their  meat  and  o'tir.k  to  do  the  will  of  God  and  to 
fiiifh  the  work  he  had  given  them.  The  Apostles  led  the 
way  and  other  Ministers  followed,  from  province, to  prov- 
ince and  from  kingdom  to  kingdom.  Their  King  was  in 
ti  e midst  of  them,  and  they  saw,  byfaith,  that  stand  lrd, 
with  that  inscription,  which  was  afterwards  feigned  to 
lure  been  seen  by  the  politick  Constaptine.  The  world 
HU  before  such  combatants  ; and  its  pomps  and  vani- 
ties, it;:  cl.es  and  honours,  its  fcience  and  learning. 
i':»  aits  and  arms,  its  oofpyy_^ce  ar.-*  g-Js,  were  subdued 
by  the  ducirme  of  the  Cross. 

In  this  manner  did  the  first  Christians  propagate  their 
religion,  being  mighty,  in  deed  and  word  ; and,  living 
rather  than  speaking  greit  things,  they  put  to  flight 
ail  tiie  armies  of  the  aliens.  Their  conquests  were  mar- 
ked, not  with  the  blood  of  their  enemies,  but  with 
their  own.  Truth  and  righteousness  were  their  arms  ; 
and  patient  sufftiing,  and  the  doctrine  of  a crucified 
Savor,  above  all  miraculous  gifts,  were  the  true  grounds 
efthe  astonishing  success  which  attended  their  preaching. 
But  the  tide  of  conquest  was  checked  too  soon  ; and 
although,  for  a few  centuries,  some  illustrious  names 
fupported  the  honor  of  the  Christian  arms,  yet  the  mys- 
tery of  iniquity,  which  began  to  work  in  the  days  ol  the  » 


ON  MISSIONS. 


»5 


Apostles,  quickly  spread,  withering  the  rose  of  the  Church 
subverting  its  faith,  and  corrupting  its  morals,  until 
it  begat  a race  of  men  more  desperately  wicked 
than  Heathenism  ever  bred,  and  such  alone  as 
could  be  produced  by  the  Corruptions  of  Christian- 

!ty- 

Brethren,  I will  not  now  demand  your  attention  totnc 
melancholy  desolations  of  the  Church  : nor  is  it  my  in- 
tention to  soil,  with  a detail  ol  the  transactions  of  a cor- 
rupt Christianity,  this  letter  in  which  1 have  endeavour- 
ed to  rouse  you  from  your  slumbers,  by  enforcing  the 
command  of  Christ  ; and,  to  provoke  you  to  emulation, 
by  exhibiting  the  labours  and  triumphs  of  the  first  be- 
lievers. They  have  done  greatly  ; and,  though  dead 
they  still  live  and  speak  to  the  followers  of  their  faith. 
It  is  our  part  to  record  their  actions,  and  to  give  them 
the  applause  they  have  earned  so  well.  But  we  must 
do  more.  We  must  tread  in  their  steps,  and  derive  en- 
couragement from  their  example.  We  must  prove  our- 
selves their  successors,  by  occupying  the  extensive  field 
they  cultivated.  If  we  refuse  to  do  this,  the  praises  we  la- 
vish on  them,  will  be,  as  were  the  sepulchres  built  for 
the  old  p-ophets  by  the  phaiisaic  Jews,  the  monuments 
of  our  hypocrisy  and  guilt.  Surely,  our  Lord,  his 
Apostles,  his  Martyrs  and  Confeflbrs,  lived  and  died  not 
for  the  benefit  of  England  nor  of  Christendom  alone.  — 
O my  God  incline  us  to  call  a fast,  to  proclaim  a solemn 
assembly,  to  bathe  our  altars  with  our  tears  to  confefs  our 
sins  and  treachery, to  sound  an  alarm  in  God’s  holy  moan  - 
tain,  and  to  animate  each  other  to  the  gloiious  warfare 
to  which  we  are  pledged  ! 

I he  night  is  far  spent,  and  the  day  is  at  hand.  The 
latter  ends  of  :h  world  are  fallen  upon  us,  and  we  have 
many  considerations  to  excite  us  it  it  vser€  possib  e,  to 
more  than  apostolic  labours.  1 he  bast,  from  which  tire 
dav  springs  from  on  high  first  visited  us,  has  long  been 
lost  to  Christ  •,  and  the  cre.cent  of  Mahomet  still  usurp 
the  places  where  the  cross  once  triumphed.  Lithe 
£3 


10 


HORNE’S  LETTERS- 


West,  the  Roman  Antichrist,  accurfed  of  God  and  man 
issinking  under  the  reiterated  strokes  of  divinevengeance. 
The  G d of  the  Christians  is  baring  his  arm,  and  ex- 
posing the  nakednefs  of  the  Scarlet  Whore  with  whom 
the  nations  of  the  earth  have  committed  spiritual  forni- 
cation. The  prayers  of  the  spirits  under  the  altar  are 
heard  ; and  a righteous  God  is  avenging  the  blood  of 
his  faints,  by  giving  her  to  drink  of  the  blood  of 
her  children.  Y ct  a little  while,  and  we  shall  hear  the 
cry,  Babylon  the  great  is  fallen  ; and  see  the  Almighty 
burning  her,  as  with  fire  from  heaven,  by  the  very  hands 
which  erected  and  supported  her  hierarchy.  The 
shouts  of  triumphant  atheism,  and  the  scoffs  of  a vain 
philofophy  invade  cur  ears. Unheard  of  prodigiesmeet  our 
eyes,  and  suspend  oursoulswithastonishment  and  horror. 
The  {, ime  spirit  and  principles,  which  have  regenerated 
one  Christian  nation  to  atheism,  are  umrking  in  others, 
and  will,  probably,  produce  the  same  effect.  We  shall 
soon  see  kindling  upon  Spain,  Portugal  and  Italy,  that 
conflagation,  which  nothing  but  tiie  pure  streams  of  the 
Reformation  can  extinguish.  Even  in  this  blessed  land 
of  civil  and  religious  liberty,  where  religion  has  rear* 
cd  her  most  august  temple,  we  have  much  to  fear  ; 
and  r.o  human  vi-dom  can  determine,  whether  the  Al- 
mighty may  not  purge  our  tin  and  dross,  with  the  same 
fire,  which  consumes  the  wood,  the  hay  and  the  stubble 
of  the  Churches  more  corrupted  than  our  ov/n.  Vain 
arc  all  the  admonitions  of  our  Master,  if  we 
do  not  understand  the  signs  of  the  day,  and  put  forth 
those  exertions  to  which  they  call  us 

It  is  not  for  the  Potentates  of  Europe  to  guarantee 
the  welfare  of  Religion,  She  disdains  all  foreign  aids. 
She  calls  net  for  dte  succor,  but  commands  the  obedi- 
c:  ce  of  earthly  Kings.  We,  the  Ministers  of  Christ 
are  called  upon  to  give  the  only  aids  of  wh  ch  she  cm, 
admit ; and  she  demands  our  talents,  cur  labors,  cur  for- 
tunes, our  influence,  and  our  lives.  I>e,  us  fly  to  the  suc- 
cor of  ourbed.  mother,  the  afflicted  Cnurch  of  Chri.t.  O 


ON  MISSIONS. 


«7 


let  us  no  more  fall  out  by  the  way.  Let  JiberalChurchmen 
and  conlcienuous  Dissenters,  pious  Calvinists  and  pious 
Arminiansy  embrace  with  fraternai  arms.  Let  the  press 
groan  110  longer  with  our  controversies  ; and  let  the  re- 
membrance of  the  petty  interests  we  have  contend- 
ed for  be  buried  in  everlasting  oblivion.  Let  us  vote 
that  Minister,  who  turns  one  sinner  from  the  error  of 
his  life,  a wiser  man  than  he,  who  demonstrates  the  be- 
ing of  a God  ; and  study  to  live  and  preach  like  St. 
Paul  rather  than  to  speak  and  write  with  Cicero.  Let 
us  forever  forsake  the  Schools  ; and  build  our  reli- 
gion on  facts,  and  not  on  arguments  ; on  the  pow- 
er of  God,  and  not  on  the  wisdom  of  man.  Christianity 
addresses  herself  to  the  heart.  To  the  heart,  then,  which 
is  the  great  strong  hold  of  satan,  and  the  inexhaustible 
magazine  of  infidel  sophistry,  let  us  direct  our  war. 
Lee  us  be  frequent  in  our  pulpits,  and  from  thence  bold- 
ly denounce  the  menaces  and  promifes  of  Heaven.  Let 
the  erpeified  Jesus  be  the  prominent  figure  of  our  gospel ; 
and  be  held  forth,  for  what  he  really  is,  our  ftrengthour 
glory  and  our  salvation.  Let  us  not  visit  and  converse  as 
other  men  ; but  always  intent  on  the  object  of  our  com- 
mission, as  guardian  angel  among  our  people,  advise,  ex- 
hort, reprove  with  all  long  sufferance  and  sound  doctrine. 
Let  us  not  dare  10  bury  our  light  for  six  days  out  of  se- 
ven ; but  on  every  proper  occasion,  when  our  flocks  can 
be  convened,  approve  our  faithful  diligence  in  declaring 
God’s  word  Let  us  beware  of  what  the  world  calls 
Pruder.ce  ; and  see  that  wre  do  not  shun  the  cros,  of 
Christ,  and  enervate  his  noble  religion,  by  over  anxious 
endeavours  to  render  it  respectable  to  men  of  cor.  apt 
minds, destitute  of  the  truth,  and  whose  opposition  to  t ic 
gospel,  does  not  originate  in  the  defect  and  obscurity  f 
its  evidences,  but  in  inveterate  hatred  of  its  holiness  and 
heavenly-mindtdness. 

B it  let  not  our  zeal,  piety,  and  benevolence  stop  here. 
L*t  us  cast  our  eyes  upon  the  Continent.  Let  us  ex- 


it 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


lend  our  views  to  the  ends  of  the  earth.  Let  us  hence' 
forth,  consider  it  as  our  indispensible  duty  to  do  all  that 
lies  in  our  power,  to  preac  h t’^e  gospel  to  every  creature. 
Let  Missions  be  treated  no  mure  with  cold  neglect,  or  be 
Vili  ted  with  charges  of  enthusiasm.  But  in  public  and 
private  from  the  pulpit  and  from  the  press,  let  us  speak 
of  hem  as  becomes  their  dignity  ; and  recommend 
them  with  that  forcible  and  persuasive  eloquence, 
with  which  the  love  of  God  and  man  should  inspire 
us. 

If  we  do  this,  with  becoming  diligence  and  zeal, 
we  shall  soon  have  it  in  our  power  to  confute  a plausi- 
ble objection,  with  which  infidels  blaspheme  our  religion. 
The  partial  d ffussion  of  Christianity  will  then  be 
seen  to  have  originated,  not  with  God,  but  men.  The 
philanthropy  of  God  our  Savior  will  shine  forth  in  its 
proper  amplitude,  as  exte:  d'ng  to  all  men  ; and  we,  the 
Ministers  of  Christ,  shall  he  made  to  confess,  with  hon- 
est impartiality  and  ingenuous  shame,  that  the  wretch- 
ed ignorance  and  abominable  vices  of  the  heathen  are 
chargeable  on  our  wicked  disobedience  to  our  Master’s 
commands.  O let  us  no  longer  give  place  to  unbelief, 
idly  affecting  commiseration  to  that  wretchedness,  \vh:  h 
we  have  it  in  our  power  to  relieve  ; but  arise  and  a>.~ert 
our  integrity  and  manhood.  We  have  the  key  of  prom- 
ise in  our  hands  ; et  us  use  it  with  courage,  and  bring 
to  light  those  prisoners  of  many  generations. 

I tmiin,  Reverend  Brethren, 

Your  servant  in  the  patience  and  kingdom  of  Christ, 


M.  H. 


ON  MISSIONS. 


•5 


FOURTH  LETTER. 

Fathers  and  Brethren , 

In  writing  upon  Missions,  I proposed  only  to  call 
general  attention  to  the  subject,  and  to  satisfy  myself 
with  a few  hints  on  the  m inner  of  conducting  them. 
But,  at  the  request  of  some  friends,  whom  l have  con- 
sulted, and  to  whose  judgment  1 owe  much  deference. 
I am  now  prevailed  upon  to  say,  specifically,  what 
is  it  l expect  from  my  brethren  in  the  ministry 
respectingMissions  ; and  to  obtrude  my  own  par- 
ticular views  of  the  most  eligible  way  of  carrying  them 
into  effect. 

Of  you,  Reverend  Brethren,  I require,  that  you  will 
set  to  heart  the  salvation  of  the  Heathen,  meditate  on 
the  subject  with  the  most  solemn  aud  affectionate  feel- 
ings, and  cultivate  your  zeal  and  philanthropy  by  ear- 
nest prayer  to  God,  that  he  wou.d  give  you  toward* 
them  bowels  and  mercies.  I would  have  you  suppofe 
it  possible , that  it  may  be  your  duty  to  take  a more  ac- 
tive part  in  Missions  than  you  have  imagined  ; and  con- 
I wish  y°u  to  divest  yourselves  of  every  ore 
juoice  which  might  bias  your  judgment,  and  preclude 
the  convictions  of  duty.  I expect  that  you  will  not 
treat  the  subject  with  levity,  and  much  less  with  con- 
tempt ; but  speak  of  it  with  respect  and  approbation. 
I think,  you  should  take  opportunities  of  seeing  the  im- 
portance of  these  undertakings  before  70m  flocks  from 
the  pulpit  ; and,  by  your  exhortations  and  liberality, 
give  them  examples  of  zeal  and  benevolence.  I add,  that 
if  your  convictions  of  duty  lead  that  way,  y u should 
come  forward  with  a'li  boldness,  and  take  your  part  isi 
the  business,  what  ever  it  may  be  in  serving  Missions,  by 
your  pen,  your  influence,  your  advice  or  your  personal 
labors,  either  at  home  or  abroad. 

From  Ministers,  as  connected  with  each  other,  I ex- 


HORNE’S  LETTERS. 


pect.  that  they  mutually  communicate  their  views  as  to 
the  most  effectual  methods  of  spreading  the  gospel,  and 
exhort  each  other  to  a generous  and  noble  exertion  of 
ministerial  zeal.  I require  them  to  form  Affociations, 
for  collecting  money,  ODtaining  information,  procuring 
mifljonaries,  and  tranfacdng  the  variety  of  concerns, 
which  fall  under  the  consideration  of  Millions.  In  these 
Affociations  Iwish  thol'eMmifters  to  come  forward  whofe 
character  and  fei  vices  give  them  moft  refpectability,  and 
will  enable  them  to  promote  effectually  the  caufe  they 
undertake.  Last  of  all,  having  once  engaged.  1 would 
have  the  Affosiadon  to  be  actuated  by  a true  tpirir  of 
M.ffions.  They  (hould be  zealous,  active  indefatigable. 
Any  Minister  who  is  not  warmly  affected  to  MuTi  ms, 
should  be  excluded  from  the  acting  Committee.  What 
thefe  Gentlemen  are,  their  millions  will  be.  Having 
in  their  power  the  choice  of  miffionaies,  and  the  man- 
agement of  the  m ifion,  they  will  not  fail  to  give  to 
the  whole  undertaking  defeatures  and  complexion, 
of  their  ('wn  character  — This  is  the  sum  of  my  requi- 
fitions  ; and  I flitter  myfelf  that  there  is  in  it,  nothing  ir- 
rational, nothing,  to  the  performance  of  which  our  call- 
ing does  not  oblige  us. 

The  fmall  fuccefs  which  has  attended  Millions  (hould 
xr.clirc  !!«  to  fufpect.  tll^t  they  have  bCCii  C&ilduct- 
ed  in  the  moft  eligible  way  ; and  dispose  us  to  examine 
with  candor  any  new  method,  which  may  be  proposed. 
I will,  therefore,  (hew  my  opinion.  But  as  I do  not 
prefume  to  dictate  to  any  mm  on  the  fubjcct  ; fo  I am 
aware  that  no  one  plan  can  be  formed,  which  wiil 
equally  apply  to  Nations,  who  differ  in  their  degree  of 
civilization,  their  policy,  their  religion,  and  the  face  of 
their  country.  Whoever,  therefore,  are  intrusted  with 
the  execution  of  our  plans,  fhouid  have  the  diferedon- 
ary  power,  of  deviating  in  their  application  as  the  reason 
of  the  case  shall  demand.  ! his  observation  premised, 
a general  view  of  the  nature  of  Millions,  and  of  the  state 
•f  the  Heathen  Nations,  may  enable  u*  to  in- 


ON  MISSIONS. 

fer  something  as  to  the  line  of  conduct  mod  likely  to 
ensure  succefs. 

Before  we  can  juftify  sanguine  hopes,  a considerable 
alteration  in  favor  of  religion  must  take  place  among 
ourfelves.  We  cannot  give  to  others,  what  We  do  not 
poflefs ; and  before  our  zeal  will  acquire  sufficient  mo- 
mentum to  effect  great  things  for  tlie  -aivaiion  of  the 
Heathens,  it  is  necefftry  that  a more  general  and  serious 
care  should  prevail  about  the  fdvari  n of  our  own  s uls. 
While  we  look  for  this  desirable  change,  we  cannot  do 
better  than  renew  our  miffionary  engagements  ; which 
will  have  the  most  favouiabie  operation  in  bringing  it 
about.  Great  designs  and  great  undertaking=  form 
great  men.  They  call  forth  the  t ents,  of  which  we 
never  supposed  ourselves  to  be  pofleff  d ; and  ^ive  an 
exhibition  of -plendid  virtues,  which  ao  not  frequent  the 
c mmon  paths  of  life.  Courage  provokes  courage,  and 
e l eak  ndles  zeal  Confi  lerable  fucceis,  in  any  one 
imffa  n,  would  encourage  many  undertakings  ; ahd  the 
activity  exerted  in  favour  of  the  Heathens,  would  n aur- 
ally call  attention  to  the  ways' and  means  of  doing  good 
among  our  owr  countrymen. 

W .nt  of  fuccefs  is  the  most  fatal  objection  which  lies 
against  Miffions.  We  have  not  taken  proper  steps  to 
to  insure  uccess  We  have  h .rdly  dared  to  hope  tor  it. 
A few  hundred  converts  h:ve  ccen  considered  as 
a great  thing  ; and  a few  thousand  have  been  the  ne 
plus  ultra  of  our  hope.  A revolution  must  take  place 
in  our  ideas  on  the  subject.  We  must  hope  for  great 
things.  We  muit  attenpi  great  things.  Until  this  is 
done,  tolerable  success  is  not  to  be  expected.  There  is  a 
proportion  between  the  object  v e embrace,  and  the 
zeal  and  exertion  we  show  in  accomplishing  it. 
Such  limited  views  as  these  pr  eclude  exertion.  Where- 
as. where  great  advantages  are  proposed,  men  are 
forward  to  incur  great  expenfts  ar.d  to  run  gieat 
risks.  Let  u,,  then,  determine  to  give  a fair  trial 
to  MilfiO..!  a^d  undertake  something  which  vrtli  help 


32 


HORNES  LETTER’S 


*s  to  form  a reasonable  judgment  of  what  :s,  or  is  not 
to  be  expected  fr<  m them.  Let  cur  object  be  to  evan- 
gelize the  Islands  of  the  South  Sea,  or  to  obtain 
fbr  Chrisanity  a firm  footing  and  extensive  spread  in 
India,  China,  Tibet,  Borneo,  Persia,  Tartary,  aid 
other  great  kingdoms. 

The  preparation^  we  make  must  be  answerable  to  the 
views  we  adopt  Men  and  money  are  the  nerves  of 
war.  A few  scattered  missionaries,  and  paltry  funds, 
are  inadequate  to  fuch  conquests.  But,  as  our  strength 
is  fmall,  and  our  forces  new  levies,  unpractifed  to  these 
perilous  encounters,  I would  recomme  ,d  to  no  Denom- 
ination of  Christians  to  engage  in  a second  Mission,  until 
experience  has  convinced  them  that  they  are  more  than 
equal  to  the  first.  We  must  also  be  resolved  to  take  the 
field  in  the  very  boldest  line  of  service.  A Mission, 
c«  lecially  such  a Mission  ?.s  I propose,  is  one  of  those  en- 
terp  izes  vshe^e  the  rreafuies  vhi.h,  at  first  sight, 
appear  the  most  hazardous  and  desperate,  are  the 
n ost  deliberate  and  successful.  Men  who  are 
not  dirpo<ed  to  run  all  chances,  and  to  undego  suffer- 
ings which.on  therelation,mighifreeze  the  blood  of  those 
who  hear  rhen  quietly  by  their  fire  sides,  have  no  bu- 
siness in  Missions.  And,  if  missionaries  of  this  caft 
ire  not  to  be  had,  we  may,  without  any  great  detriment 
to  the  Cfnistian  C.  use,  wait  with  patience  until  such 
characters  appear  in  the  world.  Men  of  other  disposi- 
tions will  d^,  as  little  as  has  been  done  : and  if  a few 
individuals  of  a peculiar  turn  of  mind  are  willing  to  re- 
linquish a iarge  sphere  of  usefulness  in  Europe  for  the 
hope  of  converting  a handful  of  people  in  India,  they 
will  not  have  many  followers.  But  they  will  furnish 
fot  us  at  home,  a pretext  for  talking  about  greater 
tilings,  than  we  have  godliccas  or  courage  !• 
perform. 


(The  remainder  of  the  letter  is  oruiteJ.) 


®N  MISSIONS. 


23 


SIXTH  LETTER. 

Fathers  and  Brethren , 

AN  enquiry  into  what  may  corflitute  a call  to  rr.if- 
fions  .v ill  merit  serious  diicu  sio;..  Some  incline  to  treat 
this  qu'-ft'on  with  contempt,  as  one  'ptcie-.  of  enthusi- 
ai  ii  j rgon,  by  which  religion  l a been  disc 5 _ i ; ed 
in  the  world  : and, I am  5 >rry  to  say,  it  lias  beer,  at  time  s, 
fo  managed,  . s to  give  color  to  their  cenfures.  Never  he- 
lei\,  you  will  oe  of  opinion  with  m-,  that  mimli  fond 
ft,  fe  and  s<  her  piety  are  contained  in  it ; and  when  we 
consider  that  every  thing  valu  -hie  to  man  is  staked  on  its 
deteim  nation,  they  mu  t be  sirai  gers  to  the  en. inputs 
of  th  human  heart,  and  evince  a want  oi  reason  and 
ingenuousr.efs,  which  th  y charge  on  others  who  up- 
pose  men  of  sense  will  en  hath  on  the  sea  of  tr  ubie, 
without  having  first  view  ed  the  question  on  evety  side, 
and  obtained  that  well  grounded  satisfaction  in  the  pro- 
priety of  their  conduct,  which  may  hereafter  support 
and  comfort  them  under  all  its  poflibre  confequen- 
ces. 

The  general  duty  of  Minifters  and  their  flicks  with 
refpect  to  Millions,  we  ground  on  the  command  of 
our  Lord,  the  characters  of  his  religion,  the  example 
of  his  Apoftles,  the  declarations  of  his  Prophets,  the 
common  principles  of  humanity,  and  the  whole  aggre- 
, gate  of  argument,  which  arifes  from  the  nature  of  the 
undertaking.  But  unhapily,  as  in  many  other  cafes,  fo 
, in  this,  what  is  acknowledged  as  of  conjmon  obligation 
, is  not  felt  as  the  particular  duty  of  individuals.  In 
this  refpect,  our  J.ord  ar.d  his  houfchold  may  be  com- 
. pared  to  the  family  of  an  opulent,  indulgent  Mafter  of 
,,  many  fervants,  who  commanding  fome  unpleafant 
bufinefs  to  be  preformed,  but  intimating  his  pleafure  in 
general  terms,  not  adorefling  to  any  particular  d<" 
meilic,  his  fen  ants  inftead  of  readily  obeying  his  cr 
C 


■H 


HORNE'S  LETTERS 


roands,  are  all  of  them  difputing  from  his  Lordfliip’s 
Chaplain  to  the  fluillion  in  his  kitchen,  which  of  them 
i obliged  to  prtfoim  his  will.  The  Chaplain  is  a 
ger  tliman,  and  is  above fuch  menial  offices.  His  Lord 
certainly  underftands  too  well  the  dignity  of  his  charac- 
ter to  addrefs  fuch  orders  to  him.  The  Steward  de- 
clares his  engagements  bind  him  no  farther  than  to  ufe 
his  per,  and  to  overlook  his  Mafter’s  rents  and 
disbuvfcments  with  fidelity.  'I  he  Butler  protefls  he 
was  net  hired  to  be  a footman  ; and  the  underlings 
of  the  houfe  with  many  piofeffions  of  good  will,  plead 
they  are  not  qualified  for  doing  their  Lord’s  will.  In  a 
word,  the  bufirefs  is  either  left  undone,  or  a few  poor 
hone  ft  fellows,  who  love  their  Mafter  and  are  jealous 
for  his  honour,  go  forth  and  do  their  heft  ; but  not 
receiving  from  their  fellow  fervantsthat  afliftance  which 
each  ought  to  have  afFordtd  them,  the  bufinefs  is  done 
in  a bungling  way  at  laft  ; and  my  Lord’s  Chaplain, 
Steward,  Butler,  and  other  fervar.ts,  inftead  of  feeling 
that  it  has  mifcarried  principally  through  their  fault — 
inftead  of  being  afhamedinto  exertion,  fay  feme  of  them, 
that  their  Lotd  “never  gave  fuch  a txmmand,”  others, 
“ that  the  time  for  obeying  it  is  not  cane,”  others, 
“ that  the  bad  iuccefs  of  their  fellows  difeourages  faither 
attempts,  and  while  fome  are  provoked  that  the  me- 
nials of  the  he  ufe  fliould  prefume  to  engage  in  the  i u- 
finefs,  others,  “ declare  it  is  vile  dirty  woik  and  tit  only 
for  fhullions  aDd  fhoe-beys.”  This  has  been  precifely 
cur  conduct  ir<  M.fiior.s. 

But  how  rrat|y  an  individual  kne  w that  this  general 
duty  deteimir.es  on  him  ? This  enquiry  will  be  made 
with  views  as  different,  as  ate  the  chat  actors  of  the  men 
who  make  it  : fc  me  to  find  a plaufibie  excuse  for  decli- 
ning their  duty  ; and  ethers  from  a fircere  defire  to 
km  w and  to  do  it.  To  the  fit  ft  fort,  it  will  be  impcffible 
to  give  fatisfaction.  Their  firft  ptinc-pie,  I •will  ml  be  a 
vrijionury,  pttcludesall  conviction.  Their  fecond  principle 


ON  MISSIONS. 


25 

I ‘will  justify  my  difobedience,  determines  them  to  demand 
fuch  regions  for  the  absolute  certainly  of  their  call,  as  they 
know,  or  ought  to  know,  cannot  he  given  them  They  de- 
mand their  call  to  be  demonstrated  with  intuitiveevidence; 
and  while  there  remains  a pollibility  of  their  deceiving 
themfelves,  prudently  determine  to  run  no  hazards  Be 
it  fo  gentlemen.  We  difmils  you  from  the  service  until 
you  have  acquired  more  ingenuous  min  Is.  Your  swords 
may  remain  quietly  in  their  scabbards,  for  this  is  not  a 
war  in  which  lath  will  fupply  the  place  of  Heel.  You 
are  your  own  demouftranons  that  God  does  not  call 
you  to  midi  ms  ; and  whatever  fins  you  may  Hand  ac- 
countable for  in  the  day  of  C.uilt,  l think  you  will  hard- 
ly be  criminated  under  that  Hatute  of  his  kingdom,  Go 
preach  the gofpe!  to  every  creature. 

Sincere  Il.aelites,  woo,  like  Nathaniel,  have  ingen* 
uons  minda,  and  worfh’p  God  in  truth,  may  on  this 
fubject  be  fatistied.  as  clearly  as  on  any  other,  which  is 
involved  in  the  truth  of  the  Gospel.  In  the  feriptures, 
in  reason,  in  providence,  in  experience  of  our  own  hearts 
and  characters  ; and  in  our  relations  in  private  and  in 
public  life,  there  are  to  be  discovered  data,  from  which 
we  may  come  by  a fimple  procefs  of  reai"oning,to  a very 
tolerable  coacluuon  of  what  is'our  duty  iu  this  intlance. 

This  call  is  certainly  not  of  man,  nor  of  the  will  of 
man.  A fenie  of  the  worthinefs  of  the  undertaking, 
and  a general  delire  to  do  the  will  of  God,  with  the  fo- 
licitations  of  fiiends  who  think  highly  of  us,  and  who 
are  of  opinion,  that  there  is  a providential  opening  for 
us  to  go  to  the  Heathen,  do  not  conHitute  a fufficient 
warrant  for  engaging.  Much,  very  much  mor'e  than 
all  mis  Is  required.  The  Moravian  maxim,  “ Never  to 
persuade  much  less  to  urge  a man  toengage  in  millions,” 
has  beep  justilied  to  them  by  experience  ; and  it  will  ap- 
3 pear  pertedtiy  reafonable  to  fuppofe,  that  the  levers 
{ aui  pullies  ot  human  perfuafxon,  by  which  a man  in- 
i different  to  millions  may,  sometimes,  be  excited  to  act 
£ in  them,  give  no  sufficient  momentum  to  the  foul  to 


2 6' 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


fapport  it  xgainft  the  immenfe  counterpoife  of  flelh  and 
blood.  He,  who  appears  polTelTed  of  the  molt  lively 
zeal  for  millions,  may  deceive  himl'elfby  faife  fire,  and 
enthufiaftick  feelings  ; but  the  man  who  wants  fire,  who 
is  merely  prompted  by  his  friends,  and  suppofes  a 
million  a matter  to  be  managed  like  a parish  in  Eng- 
land, equal'y  deceives  hiinfelf,  though  he  declaims 
againft  enthuliism,  and  would  have  u>  underhand,  that 
he  is  following  the  lefs  fallacious  light  of  reafon.  But 
i exhort  evei  y one,  whoie  whole  foul  is  not  in  the  buii- 
nefs,  to  ltand  firm  againit  the  perfuafion  of  all  men.  fie 
may  be  allured  that  miilionary  wrork  is  to^-ough  for  his 
dudtile  nature.  If  he  cannot  fay  no  to  his  friends,  how 
ilia.il  he  fay  no  to  thofe  manifold  temptations  which  will 
lolicit  him  to  return  ? And  I befeech  all  who  h^ve 
claims  to  realbn,  to  religion,  or  to  humanity,  never  to 
attempt  to  persuade  any  one, directly  or  indirectly,  to  do 
any  thing  more  in  millions  than  he  can  do  with  pleasure 
and  unfeigned  good  will.  It  is  unreafonable  to  luppose 
that  our  perfuallves  can  operate  to  change  the  charac- 
ter, and  in  a moment  to  give  a man  fentiments  and  feel- 
ings he  never  had  before.  It  is  not  agreeable  to  the  e- 
conomy  of  religion,  for  God  to  leave  the  inilruments  of 
his  will,  without  inclination,  as  well  as  ability  for  doing 
it.  Last  of  all,  it  is  a molt  inhuman  persecution  to  in- 
fill on  its  being  the  will  of  God  that  any  individual  fhould 
engage  in  Millions,  or  in  any  degree  to  aifume  the  pro- 
vince of  heaven  in  pretending  to  fearch  the  heart,  and 
direct  the  conscience.  This  conduct  is  the  more  odious, 
as  it  is, an  inflrurnent  of  torture,  applied  to  none  but 
worthy  and  pious  minds,  wiiere  we  have  moll  reafons  to 
believe  it  unnecellhry. 

Nor  will  providences  which  appear  fuddenly,  and  a 
present  wiliingriefs  to  engage,  prove  our  call.  * Provi- 
dence is  a mysterious  bo.  k,  not  easily  legible,  and  bell 
underllood  when  read  backwards  ; and  I lhall  much  fuf- 
pect  that  man’s  call  is  Ihewn  him  Oy  sudden  and  unex- 
pected openings  of  Providence,  wiio  has  never  beiore 


ON  MISSIONS. 


2J 

made  a discovery  of  it  in  his  Bible,  or  in  his  own  heart. 
From  a general  analogy  of  grace  as  well  as  nature,  we 
are  led  to  expect,  that  what  is  born  and  attains  matu- 
rity in  a day,  will  fade  and  die  in  as  short  a term.  In  a 
miffionary  we  look  for  ftrong,  permanent,  habits,  fuch 
as  are  formed  by  reiterated  acts.  We  do  not  mean  to  limit 
the  Holy  One  of  Ifrael ; but  td  refpect  Him  as  the  God 
of  order,  means  and  ordinances.  He  has  eftablifhed  the 
connection  of  effects  with  their  causes ; and  though  He 
may  and  will,  when  He  fees  good,  invert  the  eflahliffi  - 
ed  order  of  things  we  muft  not  affect  more  than  what 
becomes  the  fragility  of  our  nature.  We  muft  require 
the  horfeto  be  broken  in  for  the  battle.  We  muft  ex- 
pect that  the  man  called  to  Miffions  will  experience,  i'uc- 
ceffively,  all  the  viciffitudes  of  hope,  fear,  delire,  aver- 
fion,  confidence  and  defpondency,  before  he  dips  his  foot 
in  the  water,  or  will  be  able  to  contemplate  with  heady 
courage  the  dangers  of  these  depths.  If  there  be  a man, 
who  claims  exemption  from  common  rules,  and  can  in  a 
moment  engage  in  a million  without  a dispolition  pre- 
viously formed,  and  having  fo  engaged,  can  conduct 
the  matter  aright,  he  is  no  precedent  for  our  imita- 
tion. 

These  observations  premised,  the  fir.t  thing  towards 
constituting  a call  to  Miffions  is  ability  to  comply  with 
it.  Let  the  candidate,  therefore,  examine  himself, 
whether  he  be  poileffed,  in  a reasonable  degree,  of  the 
qualifications  ueceffary  for  that  ftation.  From  what  he 
has  done  in  the  miniftry  in  England,  he  may  foim 
feme  guefsof  what  he  is  likely  to  do  abroad,  it  may 
also  be  proper  to  take  the  candid  opinion  of  his  minis- 
terial friends,  whofe  favorable  sentiments  will  fupport 
his  diffidence,  or  whose  honeft  cenfme  may  check  his 
temerity.  On  this  fubject,  if  on  any,  we  fh  all  be  fafe 
to  under  rate  our  qualifications  ; and,  if  we  are  humble, 
we  fhall  naturally  be  led  to  do  fo.  This,  if  it  one  way 
operates  as  a discouragement,  will  in  another  produce 
different  effects,  God  giveth  grace  to  the  humble,  and 
C 2 


28 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


men  will  give  them  honor.  An  humble  opinion  of 
ouilcives  will  neither  damp  our  zeal  for  God,  nor  our 
benevolence  to  men.  It  will  not  pervert  our  under- 
standings, nor  make  us  dishonour  God  by  disclaiming 
whatever  degree  ol  humble  titnefs  He  may  give  us  lor 
the  woik.  The  greater  the  natural  and  acquired  tal- 
ents of  any  man  be,  the  better  ; but  all  this  is  not  the 
great  thing,  the  one  thing,  the  living  spirit,  the  eye,  the 
ear,  the  iirength  and  arms  of  the  miflionary,  Chris- 
tian Godliness,  The  Mind  of  Christ,  The  Image 
of  G^d, — this  is  the  qualification  which  a miflionary 
cannot  do  without  ; which  he  cannot  have  in  too  great 
a degree ; and  which  if  he  poflefs  in  ftreagth  and  vigor, 
his  other  qualifications,  however  small,  cannot  be  deem- 
ed defective.  Upon  this  fubject,  then,  he  cannot  put  to 
himself  too  many,  or  too  close  queftions.  His  felf  de- 
nial, activity,  fortitude,  perfeverance,  habitual  diligence, 
and  confcientious  adherence  to  order  and  regularity, 
throughout  his  whole  conduct,  will  each  of  them  mer- 
ic minute  inveftigation.  If  the  result  of  this  enquiry 
Le  satisfactory  to  himfelf,  he  may  be  allured  that  he 
has,  at  lead,  a folid  foundation  to  build  upon. 

'i  he  fecond  head  of  enquiry  is  his  •wi/lingne/s  to  en- 
gage in  millions.  Here  fomething  more  is  required 
than  cold  approbation,  cr  that  general  difpofition  to  do 
the  will  of  God,  which  influences  every  pi-.us  man. 
We  look  for  a ftrong,  decided  predilection — a passion 
for  millions,  if  I may  be  allowed  the  term  ; that  fpecies 
of  commendable  enthusiasm,  which  enables  profession- 
al men  to  magnify  the  dignity  and  importance  ol  their 
respective  arts,  and  to  purfue  their  object,  und;r  every 
difeouragement,  until  they  have  carried  their  art  to 
a perfection,  which  men  of  colder  minds  could  nev  r 
have  suppofed  it  capable  of  receiving.  I would  have 
him  pofiefled  of  that  ftrong  pallion  for  m:(lions  which 
Columbus  had  for  discovery,  and  which  fupported  him 
for  a long  courfe  of  years  againft  the  ridicule  of  lie 
whole  world,  agaiaft  the  difeouragement  of  having  his 


0N  MISSIONS. 


2 9 


fervices  rejected  by  different  princes,  againft  th<*  ingnt- 
itude  of  Ferdinand  and  ilaoeua,  and  against  the  re- 
peated mutiny,  treacheiy,  ana  oilenel.-,  of  uis  compan- 
ions. I would  have  him  to  enam  urea  oi  his  object, 
as  to  conlider  the  nardsh.p  and  uanger  oi  tile  puTuit 
a pleafure  rather  than  a pain  ; and  to  find  in  himsed  a 
diipohtion  to  lucceed,  or  to  perish  in  the  attempt.  If 
he  cannot  eng age  with  u:  a wuh  to  return  to  .Europe, 
and  with  a full  determination,  God  being  his  helper, 
to  die  in  the  harneis,  that  man  lias  not  the  l'oul  ot  a 
genuine  m llionary. 

Some  of  my  readers  will  think  I draw  a glowing  pic- 
tu  e,  and  that  my  colorings  oetray  the  glare  of  entiiu- 
fiafm.  They  wouid  have  their  mitiiouary,  what  they 
call,  a prudent  man,  a man  of  realbn  and  coolness. 
They  will  fay  that  he  who  engages  wuh  fo  much 
warmth  will  foon  have  his  tire  damped,  and  betray  as 
much  cowardice  in  the  conflict,  as  he  ihewed  courage 
before  the  oatrie.  I will  entreat  such  Gentlemen  to 
give  acandid  interpretation  to  my  terms,  and  to  enter  in- 
t > the  fpuit  oi  tne  writer,  as  well  as  into  the  force  of 
his  expretlions.  Human  language  is  detective.  i'hey 
who  use  it  are  ft  ill  more  imperfect.  1 may  not  have  the 
felicity  of  expreffiug  the  idea  I would  convey,  exactly 
fuch  as  it  is  in  my  own  mind  ; and  though  1 cou,J 
ft  map  my  ideas  on  language  as  clearly  and  torcibly,  as 
new  coin  dilplays  the  impreflion  of  tile  die,  yet,  except 
my  thoughts  had  the  fame  currrency  as  tne  Kings  com, 
my  reader  may  eaiily  miftake  my  meaning,  where  I 
have  made  none  in  exprefling  it , ana  in  this  manner 
every  man  who  writes,  luuams  fame  cenl'urcs  which  are 
due  to  the  precipitancy  and  dd'engeuuousnefs  of  his 
reader.  In  tne  light  of  tnis  observation,  I beg  lea  ve 
to  remark,  that  Columbu,,  Cortez,  C;£iar,  St.  l’aui, 
and  all  thofs  who  have  done  great  things  in  the  world, 
have  poiTdfed  a fire,  and  energy  very  uncommon  ; and 
that  this  fire,  this  energy,  was  abs  dutely  eiTential  to 
what  they  undertook  and  what  they  performed  j bat 


3® 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


certainly  this  remark  does  not  fuppose  that  this  fire 
alone  affected  eveiy  thing.  They  were  men  of  knowl- 
edge, of  piudence,  and  of  that  coolnefs  which  temper- 
ed their  fire,  and  gave  it  a proper  direction.  Had  they 
not  been  fupported  by  these  folid  qualities,  Caefar  might 
have  perilled  like  Catahne,  and  St.  Paul  would  never 
have  been  God’s  inlfrument  for  building  the  Church. 

If  my  miffionary,  therefore,  has  more  zeal  than  good 
fenfe,  more  fire  than  wtfdom  to  command  it,  he  will 
foon  find  that  inftead  of  walking  in  the  tootiteps  of  an 
Apoltle,  he  is  flying  on  the  waxen  wings  of  Icarus,  or 
driving  the  destructive  car  of  the  juvenile  and  prefump- 
tuous  Phaeton,  Ftife  fire  will  not  diffolve  real  cold, 
nor  falfe  courage  fupport  the  burft  of  cannon 

But  this  concefiion  made,  1 infill  upon  it,  the  mif- 
fionary  mull  not  only  have  true  fire,  out  a large  pro- 
portion of  it  ; and  1 infill  upoa  it  fo  much  the  moie, 
as  I fee  very  little  attention  paid  to  it  ; as  I cannot  but 
think,  that  too  many  good  men  are  foicing  Zeno’s  coat  I 
upon  the  affectionate  Jefus ; and  appear  more  afraid  of 
offending  men  by  being  too  hot,  than  of  difpleafing 
God  by  being  too  cold,  lnfiead  of  bringing  the  world 
over  to  Christ  by  the  godlike  irrefiftible  charms  of 
truth  propol'ed  without  falfe  ornaments,  we  endeavor 
to  accommodate  it  to  corrupt  minds,  by  propoiing  it 
under  the  garb  of  reafon,  and  with  the  affected  fick  y 
air  and  feeble  tottering  Heps  of  morality.  In  this 
manner  we  betray  our  Mailer,  and  lofe  our  own  labor. 
And,  however  digreflive  this  obfervation  may  appear,  I 
affirm  it  has  much  to  do  with  my  fubject ; for  until  we 
learn  to  difmifs  our  moral  dialect,  and  high  founding 
talk  of  reafon,  there  will  be  little  right  reafon  or  good  1 
morals  in  the  Church ; until  we  boldly  take  up  the 
Crofs  of  the  bleffed  Jefus,  and  tell  mankind  that,  in  re- 
ligion, there  is  no  other  reafon.  no  other  morals,  than 
that  godlike  reafon.  tkofe  divine  morals  which  He 
brought  down  to  us  from  his  Father’s  boiom  and  treaf- 


ON  MISSIONS. 


3J 

ured  up  for  us  in  his  holy  gofpel,  we  fhall  never  be  able 
to  carry  on  a war  of  millions,  nor  have  apoitolic  men 
to  act  in  it  A million,  contemplated  in  its  tiuefpiut, 
and  in  all  its  compal's  of  facntice  and  fuffering,  is  not 
a common  thing,  and  men  whofe  minds  are  of  a com- 
mon cad  are  unfit  tor  it.  If,  therefore,  their  engage- 
ment is  fo  remote  from  the  common  course  of  things, 
why  ihouid  miffionnes  be  expected  to  feel  and  think  in 
the  beaten  track  ? If  they  are  to  live  in  fire,  where  is 
the  absurdity  of  wifhing  them  to  be  endowed  with  the 
properties  of  the  Salamander  ? If  their  work  is  apnf- 
tolic,  hl»w  is  reafon  violated  by  expecting  they  fhould 
claim  alliance  with  the  blood  of  St.  Paul  ? — Tnanks 
be  to  God,  his  olelfed  Son  does  not  treat  the  foldiers  of 
the  crol\  with  that  contempt  they  fuffer  from  their  fel- 
low Chriitians  ! No  ; the  choiceft  confolations  and  the 
m hi  joyous  hopes  aie  their  portion  ; and  if,  the  afflic- 
tions of  Jel'us  abound  in  them,  they  will  be  comforted 
witn  the  molt  glorious  anticipations  of  his  kingdom  and 
of  nis  joy. 

Nor  if  a young  man,  in  the  early  prime  of  life, 
fhould  mingle  with  the  lambent  flame  he  has  kindled 
from  Gou’s  altar,  fome  i'parks  of  wild  erratic  fire,  are 
we  entitled  to  treat  him  with  contempt  and  rejection. 
If  his  character  be  l'upported  by  l'oiid  qualities,  thofe 
fp-rks  wid,  with  a little  time  and  experience,  be  absorb- 
ed in  the  purer  flame.  Nay,  fhould  he  at  firft  betray 
fome  tokens  of  fear  and  foftnels,  we  fhould  rather  fym. 
p .-h.ze  with  his  we  .knefs  than  difpair  of  his  courage. 
It  we  find  in  him  that  tried  courage  and  unrelenting 
hardihood  whiJi  characterize  the  Veteran,  who  has  wa- 
ded through  many  a well  fought  field,  and  endured  the 
variou,  climes  of  the  North  and  South,  we  find  mu_h 
m >re  than  we  ai  e entitled  to  hope.  St.  Paul  indeed 
was  at  once  made  a Cnriftian  and  the  chief  of  the  Apof- 
tles..  Such  power  belongeth  unto  God,  and  fuch  non- 
or  to  the  man  whom  He  will  exalt.  But,  in  fpite  of  the 
example  and  exhortations  of  the  great  Sc.  Paul,  Mark 


r- 


HORNE'S  LETTERS. 


fled  from  the  work  of  the  apoftolic  million  ; neverthe- 
lefs,  between  the  wholefome  cenfures  of  Paul,  and  the 
confolatory  aff  ction  of  Barnabas, his  fpirit  was,  through 
divine  grace,  again  excited  to  the  fight  of  faith,  and  he 
redeemed  his  character,  and  obtained  a good  report  a- 
mong  the  \poftles.  Let  the  candidate  for  millions  be 
poflefled  of  what  degiee  of  zeal  and  courage  he  may, 
no  doubt  the  d ly  will  come,  when  withfears  fi om  with- 
in and  fightings  from  without,  he  will  be  pressed  beyond 
meaiut  e,  and  feel  that  nothing  but  abounding  grace  and 
Almi  hty  power  can  confole  and  fupport  him.  But,  if 
we  mull  make  lonie  abatement  for  his  courage  when 
engaged  in  actual  fervice,  and  jeop-trdying  his  life  on 
the  high  places  of  the  field,  furely  we  ftiould  require 
fome  tolerable  degree  of  ardour  before  the  fword  is 
drawn  and  blood  is  fpilt.  For  if  the  man,  who  volun- 
teers, and  is  borne  on  the  ftror.g  wing  of  hope,  nust  ex- 
pect fuch  rude  Ihocks  in  the  evil  day,  what  are  we  to 
expect  from  him  who  enters  into  millions  without  zeal  or 
energy,  and  who  is,  in  fact,  little  better  than  a prefled 
jnan  ? 

The  third  confideration  which  I (hall  notice  as  ef- 
fential  to  a call  to  Millions  is  a freedom  from  fuch  ties  as 
exclude  the  engagement  ; and  they  will  be  either  of  a 
domeftic  or  a miniUerial  nature.  L have  more  than 
once  exprefled  my  fenri  iients  with  refpect  to  the  pro- 
priety of  married  men  and  fathers  of  families  engaging 
in  miflions.  G neially  fpeaking  I do  not  think  it  ad- 
vifable  ; but  I dare  not  lay  it  is  improper  1 will  not 
difapprove  the  man  fo  lituated,  who  ilia.ll  engage  ; and, 
if  he  and  his  family  conduct  themfelves  in  a million  as 
the  Reverend  Mr.  Egede  and  his  houfehold  did  in 
Greenland,  they  fhali  have  my  warmell  commenda- 
tion Nay,  Ihouid  they  through  human  weaknefs  fail 
in  fortitude  and  perfeverance,  the  piety  of  the  attempt 
will,  with  me,  cover  the  weaknefs  of  the  execution. 
But  the  propriety  of  fuch  an  attempt  will  in  my  icea 
depend  on  circHmltances.  The  health,  strength,  and 


ON  MIS  SION  Si 


33 


habits  of  a mother  and  her  children  are  to  be  eonfid- 
ered,  as  well  as  the  degree  of  accomodation  which  can 
be  afforded  them  in  a nuffion  Much  will  depend  on 
the  willingnefs  of  a minifter’s  wife  to  fhare  his  toils  and 
perils,  and  verv  much  wi  1 depend  on  his  own  iirength 
o<  fou’  to  fee  his  wife  end  fum  y,  languifhing  and  dy- 
ing, if  God  fhould  appoint  it  fo,  in  conl’equence  cf  his 
engaging  them  in  difficulties  which  they  cannot  fup- 
port  If  a minister  tie  polf  fled  of  this  fortitude,  if 
his  wife  breaths  the  same  fpirit  with  himfrlf  ; and  if  they 
both  h;nk  the  venture  justifiable.  let  them  go,  and  give 
an  ex  mple  to  Chriftendom  which  we  fo  greatly  want. 
But  if  he  cannot  infpire  his  wife  with  his  own  fentiments, 
I am  clearly  of  opinion  he  has  no  call  to  Millions.  I 
reafon  thus.  If  it  be  faid,  thar  the  wife  of  rhat  min- 
ifter  has  not  pifv  to  engage  of  her  own  free  will,  l an- 
fwer  Chriilianity  will  not  juitiiy  a divorce  by  leaving 
her  behind  him,  and  good  fenl'e  will  not  juilify  him  to 
take  her  abroad  into  cir  cum  fiances  of  dillrets  and  danger, 
w here  all  her  paffions  will  be  armed  to  war  again  ft  his 
peace  and  to  diferedit  himfelf  in  his  rniniftry.  If  st  be  faid, 
that  his  wife  is  a woman  of  piey,  the  cale  ft  nds  ftill 
more  llrongly  againft  him  and  a dreadlui  fuip'cion 
•will  lie  againfl  his  piety.  For  if  a woman  ot  piety,  his 
wife,  the  mother  of  his  cl  'idren  cannot  be  made  to  en- 
ter into  his  call,  I n ult  lulpcct  that  lie  ca;ries  with  him 
abroad  more  religion  than  he  exercifes  at  h >.ne  : 
and  can  entertain  very  little  opinion  of  his  converting 
Hc-thens,  who  cannot  conveit  a god:y  woman  who 
loves  him  to  follow  him  to  the  world’s  end. — \Tor 
would  I recommend  the  force  < f ftrong  perluafion, 
much  lefs  any  thing  like  conjugal  authority,  wnth  any 
woman.  The  man  who  docs  this  will  find,  at  laft, 
that  he  rolls  the  (tone  of  Sifiphus,  and  when  he  thinks 
he  has  got  it  to  the  top  of  the  hill,  it  will  return  with 
a double  force,  acquired  by  the  velocity  of  its  descent, 
and  ciufh  him  to  pieces.  If  a married  man  wifhes  to 
engage  in  millions,  his  firft  care  is  to  infpire  his  wife 


3+ 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


with  a poition  of  his  own  zeal  : if  he  can  do  fo,  well  ; 
if  not  1 advife  him  to  itay  at  home  It  is  a base  un- 
mani*  thing  to  complain  ot  our  wives ; and  women 
were  ne^er  generally  vi.-ious,  b- fe  nd  o wardly,  when 
men  did  not  m.  k them  fo  Godlinefs  is  the  molt 
c mm  indin  thing  on  earth,  and  women  who  have  the 
best  oppoi  tunnies  of  knowing  their  hu-.bands  piety,  and 
are  perf»na;i>  attach'  d to  them,  wii)  not  be  the  lad  to 
reverr  it  Th  m_-n  who  charges  his  wile,  in  n ne  cases 
out  of  teii,  wi  l rcpioach  himfeif , and  I affirm  when 
we  dare  imhate  the  Apollles,  there  is  little  fe^r  of 
our  wives  lagging  in  cfoe  race  of  virtue. 

A minister’s  fh>ck  fhould  he  as  dear  to  him,  and  in 
fome  lenfe,  dearer  thin  his  wife  and  children  ; and  if 
we  are  in  polls  ol  uncommon  honour  and  usefuinefs,  it 
m.iy  well  admit  an  e qui  y,  How  far  we  are  juilifiable 
in  telii  quithing  them  ? We  ate  giving  up  a certainty 
for  an  unceitainty.  i he  good  we  lhall  do  abroad  may 
beat  fman  proportion  with  that  we  leave  .t  home  We 
may  mid  ke  our  call,  or  we  may  be  called  to  die,  while 
the  honour  of  conqueft  is  referv  cd  for  others.  We  may, 
for  u ght  we  know,  groan  for  years  under  the  conse- 
quences of  a precipitate  conduct,  and  teproach  our- 
feivts  for  not  h iving  better  under  flood  rut  Shepherd’s 
voice.  Wh  t ’he  charity  of  others  may,  and  fhould, 
le  .d  them  to  excu.’e  as  he  error  of  an  honed  zeal,  we 
fh  i 1 probably  charge  on  ourfelves  as  the  proud  volatile 
mi) take  of  an  tins  notified  heart  We  may  expofe 
ourselves  to  be  the  butt  o!  those  cold  (pints  who  never 
h -o  religion  enough  to  ^fpir.  to  exelcnce  : to  be  admon- 
i(h=d  with  ignorant,  out  wounding  good  nature,  “ I 
alv- ay  to'd  von,  youmiltook  y ur  call, and  would  foon  be 
glad  to  come  home  and  to  be  held  up  as  a difeourage- 
ment  to  thole  w ho  would  do  well  — “ Look  on  that  man  ; 
he  began  to  build,  and  was  not  abie  to  finith.”  We 
may  actually  grieve  God’s  fpirit  ; and  never  recover  a 
poll  as  ufeful  in  the  miniftry  as  that  we  rclinquifhed. 


ON  MISSIONS. 


35 


And  all  this  may  be  a very  righteous  and  neceflary  dif- 
ciplineto  hum  te  the  m n,  who  having  omy  the  qualifi- 
cation of  a crj  ant  in  miiiti.,  (hall  al'pire  to  the  rank 
of  colonel  in  a regiment  for  fortign  iervice. 

Far  be  it  from  me  to  ciiscour  ige  any  man  ; but  I mud 
hold  ut  nofaise  col  rs.  l'o  have  a real  call  to  millions 
is  a great  honor  and  a grea;  felicity  ; but  to  mi  (lake 
our  cal:  is  a fad  thing  both  t ourftives  and  others.  Nor 
is  there  any  great  danger  c.t  my  cifcnuraging  the  man 
wh  m G so  prompts  by  his  fpirit  to  m >race  his  calling* 
But  lome  who  ate  really  called  may  be  too  hafty  ; they 
m.tv  mifiake  their  line  > f march,  or  engage  bcfote  the 
fignal  o(  engaging  he  given.  I know  o ( no  l'pecific  rules, 
ft  r mm  whose  circumft  tnces  may  be  i.  finitely  various. 
Here  every  one  will  re  . o n and  judge  for  himielt  ; here 
he  muo  civeit  himftlf  of  all  prtp<  fllflions  on  either  (ide 
an  ' m-  k diligent  enquiry  < f that  Goo,  who  has  prom- 
ife  I to  give  wifclom  to  all  who  feek  it. 

Suppofing  the  m ffionary  candidate  has  gore  over  all 
this  ground  to  his  fatisfaction,  the  only  thing  remaining 
to  complete  hts  call  will  he  a reafonable  profpect  of 
fuccef.  To  have  this  reafonable  prof  ect  of  fuccefs, 
hi  mtafures  mmt  he  well  confulted,  and  he  mutt  be 
provided  with  every  help,  which  the  nature  of  the  un- 
der oki  g can  require.  Let  him  then  ask  himfeif, 
Hav  l funds  tqml  to  my  undertaking,  and  are  the 
p cons  a d conductors  f the  m fli  n in  Lrgiand  n en 
of  zeal  and  fpirit,  fiu  h as  1 can  m.  ke  perfect. y free 
v.  th  who  entet  in  to  all  my  views,  and  in  whom  I can 
p rf  c ly  confide.  for  every  encouragement  and  iupport  ? 
l)o  they  Lv,  m pef  ct  y at  hb-riy  to  act  .abroad  as 
I f r occafi  n,  tr  t fettering  me  w ith  cold  theoretical 
c un.iis,  and  prefer i hi i g with  deedion  a lire  of  con- 
duct to  me.  wh  h aniufts  them  by  their  fire  fide  to 
cl:  over  w i h ■ t iena  ? Uul  f.  he  can  anfwer  these 

q • o n a fa  i-  ‘actory.  nmnner  his  meafures  are  not 
well  taken  ; ana  if  he  is  zcaious  m hL  put  fuit  he  may  leave 
D 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


3 6 

every  thing  ard  fuffer  every  thing,  to  go  to  India  or 
Japan  to  find  his  hands  tied  behind  his  back  when  he 
gets  tbeie,  and  to  pine  away  in  vexation  and  difap- 

pointment 

Let  i.-jn  a:.k  farther,  Have  I fellow  folditrs  like 
rinded  with  myfrlf,  and  is  my  million  fo  connected 
and  conducted,  that  1 can  have  a fupply  ot  as  many  of 
them,  as  my  v,  o^k  (ball  require  ? Have  1 fuch  an  ac- 
qn.ur.tance  with  the  country  where  I am  going,  of  its 
climate,  geopnphy,  police  and  manners,  a^  ) can  rea- 
fcmjhi)  expect  to  ai  fwer  upon  a nial  with  thofe  views 
winch  hate  engaged  me  to  go  there  ? If  he  goes  alone 
lie  ihoul  : be  a man  of  no  little  ftature  ■ h<  u„h  he 
iliould  i i ve  and  die  like  D vid  Brainerd,  he  wii  in  that 
cafe  only  relinquish  a greater  good  in  Eng  and  to  do 
a fm  I. crone  abroad.  Where  a tolerable  um  er  of 
Midi  ties  arc  wanting  a few  individu  Is  may  be  e li- 
ve t to  ; blit  the  gripe  will  not  be  fpre.-d—  thing  will 
be  done  anfwerable  to  the  idea  <f  miffin  i d I 
ernfefs  I can  *ee  ro  reafon  f r nu.i  thing  through  fire 
aid  water  to  convert  a Br  min  in  I ilia,  alien  v nh 
h<-.lf  he  labor  feu  of  our  own  countrymen  might  be 
converted  at  home  ; except  it  be  to  k«p  up  toe  dying 
fl  me  of  miffionary  zeal,  until  Chriftcnuou.  be  fl  .trued 
out  of  lie  foily  of  conducting  Miffions  in  this  laz.  . b- 
furd  way.  On  the  other  hand,  fhouid  our  jnt<  rm  u n 
of  ,he  place  we  are  going  to  be  defective,  we  fha,  pro- 
ceed on  falfe  principles,  and  when  practice  is  difeovered 
to  be  f)  oppofite  to  our  theory,  we  thall  be  liable  to 
turn  on  the  heel,  and  fay,  this  is  net  the  place  to  which 
I am  calied. 

When  a minifter  has  patiently  examined  tliefe  four  top- 
ics, his  ability,  his  willingness,  his  freedom  from  thole 
ties  which  prohibit  the  engagement,  and  the  reasonable 
pmfpect  ot  fucceeding,  and  finds  them  all  concurring 
to  countenance  the  puifui'.,  he  will  I think  be  in  poflef- 
fion  of  every  thing  which  rught  to  be  defired,  or  can 
be  obtained  to  make  his  call  clear.  He  has  nothing 


ON  MISSIONS. 


37 


th;n  to  do,  but  to  obey  the  detates  of  his  conlcience, 
and,  calling  his  care  upon  the  Lord,  to  make  trial  ot 
his  apoltlelhip.  If  he  is  blelfed  in  his  deed  he  fhai!  lee 
of  the  travail  of  his  Redeemer's  fbu!,  and  of  his  own, 
and  be  fatisiied.  His  example  will  provoke  his  breth- 
ren to  jealoufy,  and  his  fuccefs  encou.age  our  cx.rtions. 
if  he  fails,  he  will  difcourftge  no  mail  who  dors  not 
wiih  to  be  dilcouroged.  He  may  come  home  and  tc.l 
hn,  Brethren  ingenuously  ; t-  1 have  made  the  attempt 
“ and  find  myfell'  inadequate  to  it-  Nevsrtheicfs  the 
“ foundation  abideth  firm,  the  obligation  of  the  duty 
“ is  the  fame,  and  do  you  who  have  more  wifdom  and 
piety  thip.d  forward  as  the  Champions  ot  Chrift  and 
“ ids  ieligion.  Let  no  man’s  heait  fail  cn  my  ac- 
“ count ; nor  fuppofe  becaule  I have  done  nothin'--,  : 
“ .olhing  is  to  be  done  by  the  many  vet  in;  wh  > 
“ fight  under  the  crofs.  You  cenfure  my  raihi .d',,  you 
“ chi  e my  pulilianimity,  and  it  is  of  little  matter  that 
“ my  character  link  under  a weight  of  reproach,  which 
“ in  m.my  refpccts  I hive  deferved  ; but  do  you  arife 
“ and  b;  jealous  for  your  God.  Conqueil  hovers  over 
“ our  banners,  if  we  dare  engage  with  lpirit  1 amin- 
“ iced  deteated,  but  not  difcouraged  ; Idtlpairof  my- 
“ fell,  but  not  of  the  caufe  of  ChriiL  Go,  and  redeem 
“ the  honor  1 have  lod.  Wipe  away  this  vile  difgrace, 
“ ihi  u 'utterable  lh  .me,  which  reits  upon  the  ChriUian 
“ name  Let  it  not  be  faid  that  in  the  eighteenth  cen- 
“ tury,  in  Britain,  among  the  thonlands  of  minillers  of 
“ various  denominations  who  are  the  glory  of  the 
“ Churches,  that  men  are  not  to  be  found  who 
“ f ei  for  man,  Chriltians  wrho  are  not  jealous  for 
“ Chnit’s  glory,  minillers  who  cherilli  the  noble  emu- 
“ iation  ot  following  the  apollles.  If  you  will  not  act, 
“ God  will  raife  up  llones  to  reprove  and  lhame  you. 
“ II  you  will  not  a&,  you  almoft  juftify  that  temerity 
“ and  cowardice  which  you  cenfure.  I have  been  de- 
“ feated,  but  it  was  in  the  field,  and  after  receiving 
“ many  wounds ; but  you,  by  more  Ihameful  coward- 


3S 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


“ ice, give  up  the  caufe  for  loft  without  making  one 
“ generous  effort.  I have  been  rath  in  thinking  of  my- 
“ lelf  more  highly  than  1 ought  to  think  ; fcnt  you  al- 
“ molt  provoke  the  repetition  of  my  raftmefs  by  under- 
“ valuing  Chrift  and  his  religion  ; for  when  you  are 
“ cold  where  you  ought  to  be  animated  by  the  rnoft 
“ lively  zeal,  it  is  enough  to  provoke  babes  and  fuck- 
s‘  lings  to  take  up  arms,  and  if  they  cannot  conquer,  at 
“ leaft,  teach  us  to  die  for  the  Captain  of  our  falvation  ” 
In  this  drain  may  he  addrefs  his  Brethren,  for  whatev- 
cenfure  may  reft  upon  his  miftake  whatever  want  of 
i'anctification  of  heart  it  may  infer,  if  this  be  the  grand 
fault  which  lies  againft  his  character,  it  is  of  fueha  kind, 
efpecially  when  he  comes  to  fee  and  confefs  it  ingenu- 
oufly.as  infers  alfo  fomething  which  will  fupport  him  un- 
der its  confequences  ; — as  will,  with  God’s  grace,  lead 
him  to  real  improvement,  and  render  him  more  the  ob- 
ject of  efteem,  than  of  reproach  with  all  who  love  God. 

Next  to  she  ineftimable  and  irreparable  lofs  of  his  own 
loul  in  attempting  to  save  the  fouls  of  others,  perhaps 
the  moil  infupportable  fhock  a miffionary  can  have  to 
fupport,  far  worfe  than  death,  is  that  of  total  difappoint- 
ment,  together  with  a difeovery  of  having  mif- 
taken  his  object.  Yet  to  this  total  difappointment 
to  this  dreadful  difeovery,  is  every  man  liable  who 
engages  in  Millions.  This  reflection  fhould  guard 
us  againft  preeipitate  determination  ; and  teach  us  to 
meet  difappointments  half  way.  When  we  are  foaring 
in  the  clouds,  we  fhould  often  bring  ourfelves  to  the 
ground,  by  faying  to  ourseives,  “ Perhaps  I may  be 
miftaken  in  my  call — perhaps  the  molt  cruel  difap- 
pointments await'  me.”  Such  thoughts  are  the  more 
needful  as  men  of  fire,  and  luch  miflionaries  will  be,  par- 
ticularly need  them.  Too  often  we  deceive  ourfetves 
by  fuppofing  conftitutional  vivacity  is  Chriftian  zeal  : 
and,  though  we  indulge  these  humbling  considerations 
to  confolidate  cur  fpirits,  as  mnch  as  poflible,  if  difap- 
pointment be  at  laft  our  portion,  we  fhall  find  it  hard 
enough  to  fupport  the  dreadful  concuffion  when  it  comes. 


ON  MISSIONS. 


39 


Few  men  of  candid  minds  are  wholly  blind  to  conflitu- 
tional  failings  ; and  if  the  miffionary  be  fenfib'e  that 
his  defect  leans  to  the  fide  of  false  fire,  it  will  be  doubly 
neceflary  for  him  to  labour  after  the  ftronger  qualities  of 
gravity,  firmnefs,  and  felf  pofTeffion  ; and  to  go  forth 
in  utrumque  paratus  to  win  tophies,  or  to  fupport  the 
difgrace  inevitably  confequent  on  anunfuccefsful  attempt 
Should  a miffionary  fpirit  be  generalrexcited,  many,  who 
mean  well,  will  be  induced  to  venture,  who,  upon  the 
trial,  will  find  their  ftrength  infufficient  for  an  apoftolic 
warfare.  They  muft,  then,  either  relinquiffi  the  war, 
or  perfift  in  it  to  their  own  ruin.  In  this  dilemma,  the 
man  of  feeling,  honour,  fpirit,  may  find  fuch  a quantum 
of  pride,  felf  confidence,  and  impatience  in  his  composi- 
tion, as  he  never  before  fuspefted.  His  feeling,  his 
fenfe  of  honour,  his  fpirit,  which,  with  a fhare  ofgodli- 
nefs,  were  perhaps  the  fecret  fprings  of  his  engagement, 
will  now  turn  their  ftrength  upon  himfelf,  excruciate  him 
beyond  imagination, and,  if  God’s  infinite  compaffionsco 
not  prevent  him,  and  enable  him  to  fink  quietly  into  his 
own  nothingnefs  at  the  feet  of  j -fus,  he  will  become  the 
prey  of  that  proud  lorrow,  which  in  lcripture  language, 
is  laid  to  rw;rk  death  ; or,  in  the  phrafeology  of  this 
world,  he  ' will  break  his  heart.  The  man  who  is  per  sha- 
ded to  engage  in  millions  is  free  from  this  danger  ; but 
he  who  wich  the  femblance  of  apoftolic  zeal,  without 
deep  humility,  meekneis  and  patience,  fails  into  this 
ciicumftance,  wail  experience  a hurricane  of  p (lions, 
whichbeggars  alldefcription.  Much  ofthis  I have  known 
too  well  ; and  1 make  tins  confeffion,  that  my  readers 
may  learn,  that  1 make  a real  and  important  difuncilon, 
between  a 'well  tempered  zeal,  and  that  fpecies  (*'  file 
which  betrays  levity  and  inconftancv  of  mind. 

One  more  obfervatioti  I (hall  make  on  this  fubject. 
If  we  would  not  dtfeourage  Millions,  we  muft  bewaie 
how  we  indulge  the  afpenty  cr  cer.fure  againtt  thofe  who 
ftil  in  their  attempts.  They  have  paid  the  penalty  of 
tneir  ralhnefs,  as  fully  as  any  man  of  humrnicy  c^uld 


40 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


wilTi.  We  fhould  remember,  it  is  eafier  to  attempt 
great  things  than  to  accomplifh  them  ; and  if  to  the 
proud  humiliationsof  a man’s  own  mind,  and  those  kind- 
lier one’s  of  God’s  good  fpirit,  this  poor  dejected  mor- 
tal is  to  be  reprehended,  ridiculed, or,  under  the  pretence 
of  p:ty,  to  be  the  object  of  the  vile  contempt  of  base 
minds,  who  will  engage  in  great  and  perilous  underta- 
kings ? Let  Chriftians,  then,  imitate  the  dignity  of  a 
Roman  Senate,  and,  indead  of  cenfuring  what  thou- 
fands  can  cenfure,  and  few  dare  imitate,  treat  fuch  a 
one  with  a generous  condefcention  which  may  m ain 
his  mini  under  afflictions,  and  encourage  others  to  bold 
attempts  to  ferve  a grateful  people. 

After  all,  as  real  Christians  are  few  and  false  ones 
many,  he  who  becomes  a miflionary  mud  expect  what 
Ire  will  certainly  find — contempt  arid  oppofition  all  the 
way  through  ; and  though  it  be  our  duty  to  treat  him 
in  the  way  I recommended,  it  is  evidently  his  duty  to 
drive  after  that  lowlinefs  of  foul,  which  letting  itfelf 
under  the  the  eye  of  God,  is  neither  elated  with  the  praife 
nor  dejected  by  the  cenfure  of  men.  In  learning  of 
Jesus  to  be  meek  and  lowly  in  heart,  we  fhail  Hnd  1'olid 
and  permanent  red. 

I remain,  Revrend  Brethren, 

Your  affectionate,  humble  fervant, 

M.  H.. 


SEVENTH  LETTER. 

Father y and  Brethren, 

IF  we  would  fee  a general  fpread  of  the  gofpel  and 
multitudes  of  ignorant  Heathen  gathered  into  the  fold 
of  Chrid,  we  fnould  endeavour  to  mend  the  millionary 
road  and  to  remove  from  it  all  unneceffary  turnpikes  : 
we  fhould  confider  the  objections,  which  are  made  to 


ON  MISSIONS. 


4i 


to  millions,  and,  by  giving  them  fatisfactory  anfwers, 
lhake  off  thofe  fatal  discouragements,  which  counteraft 
our  exertions.  I beg  leave  to  lay  before  you  fuch 
of  them  as  have  fallen  under  my  notice,  together  with 
fuch  anfwers  as  i have  made  to  my  feveral  objec- 
tors. 

The  firft  trite  objection  thrown  in  the  teeth  of  the  man, 
who  ipeaks  in  favor  of  M'ffions,  is,  IV e have  Heathen 
enough  in  England , without  crofing  the  fea  to  find  them.  Con- 
vert thofe  we  have  at  home  firjl  and  then  look  to  those  abroad. 
This  opjeftion  temiuds  me  of  the  language  of  our  Lord, 
when  affirming  the  cold,  fevere  air  of  the  Pharifee,  he 
made  a trial  of  the  faith  of  the  Syro  phcenicean  woman 
who  requeued  a cure  for  her  daughter. — It  is  not  meet 
to  take  the  children  s bread , and  give  it  to  dogs.  And  I think, 
itrnaybe  well  anfwered  by  the  words  oi  cneafflicted  moth- 
er, Truth,  Lord  ; yet  the  dogs  ec.t  of  the  crumbs  which  fall from 
the  childrens  table.  If  our  Lord  may  decide  the  point, 
there  was  reafon,  as  well  as  faith,  in  her  plea.  That 
there  are  Heathen  in  England  is  a melancholy  truth  ; 
and  it  will  be  equady  tiue,  when  Chrilt  fhall  come  to 
judge  the  word,  as  it  is  at  this  day.  So  that,  if  we 
wait  their  converfron,  the  Heathen  abroad  will  never 
be  the  better  for  our  love.  But,  it  Ihould  he  remem- 
bered, that  our  European  Heathen  perifh  by  the  abufe 
of  that  knowledge,  for  the  lack  of  which  other  Heathen 
are  undone.  I add,  that  the  miaiilera  who  go  abroad 
fo  far  from  being  felt  as  a lois  at  home,  will  be 
the  means  of  doing  more  good  among  us,  than  if  they 
had  continued  in  England.  For  foreign  Millions  will 
have  the  fame  influence  on  religion,  as  fo: eign  com- 
merce has  upon  agriculture  and  manufactures.  As 
ChritVianity  prevails  abroad,  fo  it  will  flourilh  at  home. 
Thus,  what  is  alledged  againll  millions  is  a lubftantial 
argument  for  engaging  in  them. 

Others  object,  I know  not  that  Go  Vs  time  for  the  con - 
v erf  on  of  the  Heathen  be  yet  come.  When  St.  Paul  would 
have  goes  into  djia,  he  was  inhibited  by  the  fpirit ; and  if 


42 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


St  Paul  was  vijlakitt  in  fucb  a point , well  viay  we  be  fo 
alfo. — I anfwei  if  my  objector  means  to  prove  any 
thing,  he  ihould  advance  a ftep  farther,  and  fay  I knew 
that  God’s  time  is  not  come  ; and  because  St.  Paul  wos  for- 
bidden in  the  courj'e  of  bis  journey  to  preach  the  gofpel  in  Afa 
before  be  had  v filed  Macedonia  and  Greece , ( which  were  ri- 
per for  receiving  the  gofpel, ) therefore , Chrifan  M infers 
tnujl  not  follow  the  Apojile’s  example,  lef  peradventure,  they 
fhould  aft  under  the  inhibitions  of  the  Spirit — But  is  I dont 
knowjm  the  lips  of  any  man,  to  be  oppofed  to  the  author- 
itative com  'land  of  Chrift,  Go  preach  the  Gofpel  to  every 
creature  ? And  is  it  come  to  this,  that  eighteen  hundred 
years  after  the  dSth  of  Chrift,  and  nottfithftanding  the 
general  opinion  of  the  Church,  evinced,  by  her  engaging, 
more  or  lefs,in  Millions, from  that  time  to  this,  that  we  are 
in  doubt  about  our  Matter’s  will  on  a fubject,  which, 
involves  the  Salvation  of  fo  large  a part  of  mankind  ? 
If  this  be  the  cafe,  how  are  we  to  know  God’s  will  ? 
What  muft  the  Majefty  of  Heaven  do  to  fatisfy  our  un- 
reasonable Spirits  ? An  evil  and  adulterous  generation  feck 
for  figr.s.  Our  Scruples  (lamp  our  character — St.  Paul’s 
inhibition  proves  the  very  point  I contend  for — that  we 
Ihould  act  under  the  warrant  of  a general  commiflion. 
St.  Paul  did  fo.  As  a man  of  fenfe  he  made  ufe  of 
his  reafon.  He  had  undoubtedly  Specious  reafons  for 
thinking  of  going  fir  ft  into  A fit  ; but  God  who  faw 
farther  than  he  did,  ordered  him  to  take  another  rout, 
and  after  he  had  fulfilled  that  minrftry,  he  refumed 
his  deiign  to  go  into  ,-afia  and  fpent  a confidcra- 
ble  time, there,  his  labors  being  accompanied  with  the 
fame  fuccefs  which  attended  him  in  other  parts.  We 
read  of  none  of  the  Apoftles  locking  for  particular  in- 
timations of  the  divine  will  to  direct  their  labors. 
Sometimes  they  had  extraordinary  intimations,  and 
they  obeyed  them  ; but,  in  their  general  courfe,  after 
prayer  ana  ferious  deliberation,  they  did  what  appeared 
to  them  the  mod  advifablc.  Laftiy,  I afk  why  are  we 
in  reiigion,  to  contravene  every  ptinciple  of  common 


ON  MISSIONS. 


43 


fenfe,  upon  which  we  act  in  all  other  things  ? Let  us 
do  our  duty,  and  ceale  to  move  the  councils  of  Heav- 
en for  the  knowled?  of  what  the  Almighty  is  deter- 
mined to  conceal.  Were  St.  Paul  on  earth,  and  an  an- 
gel from  heaven  were  to  preach  the  doffrine  contained 
in  the  objection,  I am  confident,  the  apoftle  would 
ftrip  him  of  his  luminous  apparel,  and  iay  hts  doftrine 
under  an  anathem  in  all  the  Churches. 

An  objection  fimilar  to  the  one  1 have  juft  anfwered, 
is  urged  in  the  following  form — It  appears  that  the  order 
of  events  we  are  taught  to  expect  from  the  Prophecies,  is  fi'jl 
the  dejl' action  of  the  Roman  Anttchrif,  t 'cn  the  canverfon  of 
the  'Jems,  and  laf  of  all,  the  fulnefi  of  the  Gentiles  ; in 
which  work,  the  converted  Jews,  it  is  thought,  will  be 
the  principal  inf  r aments - *7 ‘he  conciu/ion  is  that  the 

time  is  not  yet  come  for  the  converfon  of  the  Heathen , and 
that  a l our  labor  to  effect  it  will  be  lojl  To  this  teafon- 
ing,  1 anfwer  firft,  that  prophecies  comparatively  ob- 
fcure  ihould  not  be  put  in  competition  with  the  o. -.liga- 
tion of  clear  and  expiicit  precepts.  Secondly,  if  all 
be  granted  which  this  objection  alfumes,  it  wili  not  fol- 
low that  we  (liould  look  for  the  grand  events  we  hope 
to  fee  accomp'ifhed,  in  indolence  and  careleffnefs.  if 
none  but  Jewdli  Chriftians  dare  fignulize  their  zeal  for 
truth  in  the  apoflolic  way,  nor  are  to  be  honoied  with 
apodolic  lhccefs,  much,  very  much  may  yet  oe  done  by 
us,  long  before  we  fluli  fee  righteoufnefs  covering  he 
earth,  as  the  waters  do  the  face  of  the  Ge.  p How 
does  my  objector  know,  whether  the  Lord  may  not 
make  ui'e  of  the  zeal  of  fincere  Chrutians  in  fpreading 
his  G >fpei,  as  one  principal  means  of  converting  the 
Jews  ? And  how  many  Millions  may  there  not  be 
brought  to  God,  before  the  fulnefs  of  the  Gentiles 
fhall  come  in  ? We  are  told  that  our  religion  fhaii  have 
a general  fpread,  an  univcrfal  prevalence  in  the  world, 
and  we  are  commanded  to  preach  the  gofpel  to  every 
creature  ; but  inftead  of  occupying  our  talent  with 
faithfulnefs,  we  fairly  bury  it  becauie  it  is  not  ten.  Be- 


44 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


c-aufe  the  time  mty  not  y^t  he  c 'me  far  the  grand  eon- 
venii’n  of  mankind,  we  take  >t  f>r  glinted,  that  the 
day  is  not  come  for  the  conveiiion  <f  ,v  y of  fhe.n  ; 
and  becaufe  we  do  not  hope  for  apoliolick  luccefs,  we 
determine  abfoluteiy  to  do  nothing  at  all  But  lhull 
th-  fe  fervants  be  pronounced  blefLd,  whom  the  Lord 
ih.iil  find  fo  doing  ? 

A third  objection  arifes  fr  m the  difficulty  of  the  un- 
dei  taking.  Mijfionaries  at  tbi)  day , it  is  la<d,  have  difficul- 
ties to jh  aggle  nxntb,  moki chare  altogether  irfupei  able  ; nor  can 
jncnand  mo  ey  be  raijed  equal  t9  fuch  extenjive  undertakings. 
1 grant  it  we  put  Omnipotence  oul  ot  the  qudtton. 
we  have  little  encouragement  to  engage  in  thi-  war. 
But.  1 aifo  infitt,  that  the  infuperable  difficulties  fpoken 
of  exid  only  in  our  own  cowardice.  i’he  J luita  fur- 
mounted  them  all.  The  Moravians  have  done  the  tame. 
And  other  men,  who  will  immitate  their  intrepidity, 
will  be  equally  fuccefsful.  .Nor  are  the  fums  of  mo- 
ney neo.ff.iiy  for  thofe  undertakings  fo  great  as  may  be 
imagined. 

When  we  have  proper  miffionaries  and  have  learned  to 
conduct  our  Millions  aright,  the  expence  attending  them 
will  be  greatly  diminiihed.  Were  a3  large  a fum  as 
fifty  thoufand  pounds  per  annum  expended  in  M;ffi  >ns, 
what  a trifle  would  a Angle  million  of  money  be  in  the 
courfe  of  twenty  years,  to  be  raifed  among  the  Chrifti  ms 
of  England  ? And  while  we  pay  fourteen  or  fifteen 
millions  annually  for  the  advantage  of  civil  government, 
what  a fmail  offering  is  fifty  thoufand  pounds  to  our 
Immortal  Sovereign  for  all  the  bleffings  of  his  divine 
religion  ? Say  that  the  fum  of  thirty  five  thoufand 
pounds  bounded  our  benevolence  to  our  Heathen  breth- 
ren, this  would  be  one  million  in  thirty  years.  Certain- 
ly this  money  would  be  incomparably  better  fpent  than 
the  millions  confumed  in  one  year’s  war  ! In  the  laft 
year  a fubfcription  of  more  than  twenty  thoufand  pounds 
was  given  to  the  emigrant  minifters  of  the  Gallician 
Church  ; and  immenfie  fums  are  laid  out  on  the  fup- 


ON  MISSIONS. 


4 5 


port  of  cur  poor,  every  yeir.  I heartily  approve  of 
this  way  of  fp.  n Imp;  our  money  ; hut  may  I not  ask  ; is 
the  i'piead  oi  Chrift’s  re  ig  on  a matter  ot  cor  mon  Char- 
ity, that  we  fhould  part  w itli  money  foi  Miffions  with  as 
much  reluctance  as  we  would  part  with  < ui  blood  : and 
think  forty  or  fifty  th  uf'and  pounds,  which  a few  Gentle- 
men of  fi  mine  can  afF<  .rd  to  throw  away  o their  pleasui  es 
eve  y year,  too  large  a ium  to  be  pptied  to  ihefirlt,  the 
greateft  and  molt  obligatory  charity  under  heaven  ? 
And  yet  by  the  cxpn'ituie  oi  ti  e ium  1 have  men- 
tioned mk  ht  thoniands  of  rf  uhen,  every  year  be 
brought  horn  ca  k ei's  into  it ^ hr , md  turned  from  the 
po.  cr  of  Satar  to  the  fervice  < f God. 

The  want  of  men  is  the  jait  thing  to  be  feared. 
There  exilis,  at  >.hi  , d y in  Ln<l  nd,  a greater  num- 
ber < f n.  n v,h  ' with  f i .has  eu.pl  .yment  than  ca‘  well 
be  in.,  gined  h y ■ r to  ne  f>  urd  amontr  al!  dei  omiua- 
tions  Let  us  (uir  enquire  iftter  .he  :■  and  rhey  wi  1 ap- 
pear f3u  f . .<  i.g  is  h.  fiio-.s  are  difeour  ged  and  vil- 
ified, f w . ( them  vil.  brand  tlnn  felve1  he  e ihusiafls, 
by  exprefling  grea:  forwai duels,  ai  d necom  ng  candidates 
f.  r ram. 

!(  U'l:  i ill  he  fbjfcted  tliat  F»its  do  not  j'Jfi'y  theft 
/ , ; ; c h p s ; for  > o y'rnr  has  y ! bee  de  ved  Ir  an  Mif- 
Ji-i-'s.  on  rib  td  th'-s.ey  - nil  toil,  and  valuable  lives  nvbi  b 
ku' e bet’  exp  n,  -d  on  them  . and  nuf  eh  might  have  been  ap- 
fi  ■ te  b • er  pr.i;o,'  l\u  ope  i ar.'Wf  the  facts  a iu- 
o«.  o.  p uvr  rr.ihuv  ut  that  Miffi  ins  } ave  been 
v v ir.  pn  p >,y  c!  ducted ; .>nd,  that  if  h are  not 

taken  up  v tr  more  ;pirir  th;t y ate  by  no  means  likely 
t(.  ! r,  thti.  i d but,  l i fill,  t!  at  the  fuit  with 

v ! they  hav-  h*en  a ter.oed,  p ov-s  undeniably  what 
may  be  cr  i e v,  h n wt  cx  r ourfeVes  s we  ■ u h to 
co.  n i!t,  farther  that  hr  te  Nhffi.mi  though  ur.pro- 
dndiv  , t - %xc.  jo  niM  , and  have  .u  f.r  red  val- 
u 1>  put p fe-..*  They  ,r  juitin  hie  ; for  th  men 
who  have  adted  in  them  have  done  their  duty,  refpect- 


46' 


HORNE’S  LETTERS. 


ed  their  confidences,  felt  for  humanity,  proved  their 
faith,  aiferted  the  honor  of  their  religion  and  glorified 
the  verachy  faiti.fulnefs  and  power  of  God  It  fliall 
rot  v,iil  that  the  world  brands  theii  lives  with  madneis, 
an  eiieems  their  deaths  w thout  honor.  Wtfdom  will 
jnt  :y  her  children.  They  have  been  •wife,  in-tfmuch 
as  they  have  been  faithful  t for  there  L i osnan,  who 
hath  eft  .’ather  or  mother,  or  houfe  or  1 nds,  <or 
friei  ds  or  tou  try,  f r the  fake  of  Chit!:,  who  hi  ah  not 
receive  an  bundled  fold  in  the  kingdom  of  G.-d  Th  y 
have  a To  av  fwered  valuable  ends  They  will  juftify 
the  ways  of  God  to  men,  in  the  day  ol  final  account, 
and  In  ve  to  i luftrate  his  myfterious  pn  vi fence,  i hey 
will  condemn  he  Chrillian  world  of  unbelief  They 
wi'd  h ve  given  a great  example  to  us  , as  having  cho- 
feu  affliction,  net  with  the  people  oi  God,  hut  with 
poor  Heathen,  in  prefei ence  to  <tl!  the  riches  arc  ho  n- 
ors of  Egypt.  When  Chiillendom  i y r.fl  ep, 
th-y  ah  ne  h ard  the  found  of  arms,  a d joint  d 
the  b.efild  Captain  of  their  f a;  v a lion  on  the 
plains  of  Iridoftan,  and  ii  the  frods  and  fnows  of 
G teniat'd  anofc Labrador  I- ke  Abi  ban  the1-  went 
ft  rli  t tf.r  cou  rv  ; and  ill  ugh  the  -ttomp'  fitment 
of  w ■ pM>ir-;fc  h s not  ! i er  u.  t*>  tl  cm.  yet.  ike  that 
ve  uab.c  P-. o-iarch  they  have  f<  en  Cor  n’s  day  and  rc- 
jr  'c-eu.  In  the  ver-cin  f h*  prom-fes,  'll  y have  fc-en 
his  feed  mint,  u-  is  'he  la  d:  'n  th  fe  « h ' »*.,&  efp  e'>« 
dent  us  rh-  the  . r-.  ofhea-eo.  hes  hav  . r.  tamed  a 

good  v,  p ; : through  faith,  and  thnr  bo  es,  like  th  e of 
Jr  .os  a n cl  Joseph,  h ve  t -ke  polhffi  n of  the  lane  of 
our  inherit  -r.ee.  L'he  • in  . .«  • tous  hope  ; and  though 
nop  oud  Maufo’c-Ur  , of  theirs  ai  r ct»  the  eye  oi  man, 
prone  to  g.  a.  wiuj  a 1 order  n #••-■>!  th  y pageants, 
yet  Angtis  in  arnica1  e converse  e 1 p>  ■;  t out  each  ii  al- 
lowed f it,  and  read  t e ne  1 pi  ph  'these 
•were  t-ten  cf  •wh- neb  the  wor  d iue)  e no  •worth)  ! 1 he  > p e d 
the  caufe  of  Chrnt  with  us,  uor  mail  they  akvajj  plead 


ON  MISSIONS. 


47< 


in  vain.  Their  vo’ces  (hall  be  heard,  and  all  Europe 
fliall  obey  their  call  They  are  the  forerunneis  of  the 
armies  of  Emanuel,  and  their  labors  the  welcome  crops 
which  promife  plenteous  rain.  Until  this  is  brought 
to  pil>,  they  have  the  honour  to  keep  al  ve  the  pirit  of 
Millions  ; and  will  claim  a large  lhare  m tne  victories  of 
tb  >se,  who  (hall  come  after  them 
tSome  pious  men  can  indulge  no  hope  of  fuccefs,  in 
Millions,  whi  ethe  wickednefs  of  Europeans  operates  to  pre- 
judice the  Heathen  againjl  the  go/pel  We  lament  the  fatal 
operui  n ol  prejudices  which  aiife  from  that  quarter, 
but  think  they  are  prefled  bevond  all  bounds  ct  truth. 
No  pc  p e were  more  prejudiced  again!!  Chriltianity, 
nor  had  more  dreadful  c.  ute  to  he  fo,  than  the  poor 
I dians  of  Calif  rnia  and  Paraguay  ; but  their  preju- 
dices. yi  lded  to  the  force  ol  reafon,  and  the  peifevering 
benevolence  of  the  Jefuits.  Truth  is  great  and  will 
prevail.  No  men  sk  f > brutifh  as  not  to  be  able  to 
di languid)  between  a friend  and  an  enemy  ; and  fierce 
lion  - have  been  lubdued  by  the  blanailhments.  of  gen- 
tle, huin..n  kin  Inefs.  Beyond  all  this  we  mult  look  to 
the  blefli  g of  the  God  we  ferve,  and  the  almighty 
gr  ce  of  our  Lord  Jclus  Chriit.  To  hope  the  belt  is 
pious  and  wife 

Many  Moralifts,  who,  though  bred  up  in  the  com- 
mon forms  arid  princ  p es  of  Chriltianity,  know  not 
how  to  value  the.r  religion,  object,  The  death  cf  Cbrijl 
<via:  a common  jacrifice  ; his  goodfpirit  is  given  to  all  men  ; 
and  if  the  heathen  obey  the  admonitions  of  the  Spirit ; they 
•unit  be  accepted  through  the  merits  of  the  Redeemer' s death. 
Why  net,  then,  leave  them  to  their  equitable  Judge,  who 
having  gram  them  but  one  talent,  will  not  require  from 
the  n the  improvement  of  ten — God  will  certainly  judge 
th  m equitably,  and  will  not  expect  to  reap  what  he  has 
not  town.  We  grant  alfo,  that  a Heathen  may  he 
fived  without  an'  explicit  revelation  of  the  gofpel, 
tiioug  ’ not  without  Gn&ification  of  the  fpirit  and  the 
fpnnkiing  of  the  blood  of  Jelus.  But  this  does  not 
E 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


4§ 

prove.  that  the  gnfpel  is  rot  an  inedimable  gift  ; or 
that  it  is  not  our  duty  to  carry  it  to  them.  Farther,  I 
acfvver  queflion  with  queilion  ; and  ask,  if  a man  in 
England  may  he  faved,  though  he  cannot  read  his  hi- 
fi  k%  what  need  is  there  of  his  being  able  to  read  it  ? If 
imrple  reading  be  fufHcient,  what  need  is  there  of  libe- 
tal  education  ? If  a man  may  live  on  bread  and  sva- 
ter,  vhat  need  of  a profufion  of  meats  and  drinks  ? If 
the  blind  may  travel  from  one  part  of  the  kingdom  to 
another,  by  the  humble  helps  of  his  dog  and  daff,  what 
can  there  be  defirable  in  vifion,  and  all  the  accommo- 
dations of  inns,  carriages,  and  good  roads?  Not  to 
prefs  my  objedtor  with  a hundred  more  fuch  queftions, 
I affirm,  that  Chriftianity  gives  a perfedtirn  to  man 
which  fets  him  almoft  on  a level  with  angels  ; and,  that 
the  fphilual  knowledge  and  piety  of  a Confucius  or  a 
Socrates,  is  no  more  to  be  compared  with  the  attain- 
ments of  the  meaneft  child  of  God  under  the  difpenfa- 
tion  of  Ohrid,  than  the  knowledge  of  a Hottentot  is  to 
be  weighed  againft  the  cultivated  reafon  of  a Newton. 

The  l ift  objection,  I fhall  notice,  is  of  a more  une- 
quivocal nature  than  all  the  reft.  Mifionaries  are  a 
dij grace  to  any  nation.  Their  attemps  are  highly  dangerous  ; 
for  Jhould  they  fucceed  in  introducing  Chrijlianity  into  the 
Eajl  and  nxsejl  Indies,  it  would  produce  revolt  in  our  colonies , 
and J'ubveri  the  British  empire  in  Indorjlan.  This  objec- 
tion has  in  fubftance  been  urged  in  a Britifh  Parlia- 
ment, in  the  Weil  India  lflands,  and  in  the  debates  of 
the  India  Diredtors.  1 confefs,  I know  not  how  to 
meet  it  in  the  way  of  argument.  The  men  who  make 
it  are  as  unfit  judges  of  Chriftianity  as  the  blind  are  of 
colors;  and  are  as  much  difpofed  to  receive  convidlion 
from  reafoning,  as  rocks  are  difpofed  to  weep  over  hu- 
man miferies,  As  the  fervant  of  the  Lord  however  I 
fhall  be  told  I mud  be  meek.  Be  it  lb.  Theobjedtion 
is  either  true  or  faife.  If  it  be  true, — if  the  dodhine 
of  Clirid  docs  really  tend  to  produce  revolt,  and  to 
fubvcit  empires,  let  us  open  our  arms  to  French  Athc- 


@N  MISSIONS. 


49 


ifm.  Let  us  renounce  this  religion  of  blood,  which 
ru-fes  the  world  with  everlafting  disorders  and  conten- 
tions ; and  rejoice  that  we  have  lived  to  a da)',  when 
the  cndlefs  whirl  of  elements  and  atoms  has  produced 
fuch  noble  difcoveries.  Let  us  deify  the  fiend  Marat ; 
and  let  us  tell  all  our  worthy  countrymen,  who  pick 
pockets,  cut  throats,  and  Je’ight  in  fuch  ingenuous  arts, 
that  they  may  difmifs  all  fears  of  vengeance  from  the 
crucified  man  of  Nazareth.  But  Chriilianity  never 
did  produce  revolt  and  fubversion  of  empires  It  has 
no  tendency  to  produce  the  fie  dreadful  confequences.  If 
indeed  it  were  propofed  to  fend  forth  booted  Apoftles, 
to  convert  the  nations  by  fire  and  fword,  the  (objection 
would  affume  the  color  of  truth,  and  only  the  color  of 
truth  ; for  no  unprejudiced  man,  who  ever  read  the 
gofpel  would  dignify  fuch  miffionaries  with  the  epithet 
of  Chridian.  If  on  the  other  hand  the  objection  be 
falfe,  it  can  merit  no  anfwer  but  that  of  indignant  fi- 
lence. 

Should  it  be  faid  thefe  apprehenfions  do  not  origin- 
ate in  any  tendency  which  the  religion  of  Chriil  is  fup- 
pofed  to  have  to  operate  thefe  effects,  but  in  the  acci- 
dental abufe  to  which  it  is  liable  from  the  ignorant  zeal 
of  miffionaries,  the  implacab'e  refentments  of  Slaves, 
and  the  bigotted  fuperitition  of  the  inhabitants  of  In- 
dia, which  would  render  them  jealous  of  innovations 
in  their  religion,  a fatisfa&ory  anfwer  may  be  given  on 
all  thefe  heads.  Miffionaries  can  promife  themfelves 
no  advantage  from  exciting  revolt  from  the  govern- 
ment which  protects  them.  None  but  good  men  will 
engage  in  miffions,  and  they  muff  abhor  every  doctrine 
which  difturbs  the  peace  of  fociety.  But  a fmall  fhare 
of  common  fenfe,  and  of  acquaintance  with  their  bibles, 
will  teach  them  the  neceffiiy  of  enforcing  on  their  con- 
verts, that  falutary  do&rine,  which  St.  Paul  taught  to 
the  numerous  flaves  of  the  Roman  empire — Let  as  ma- 
ny fervants . as  are  under  the  yoke , count  their  own  mafters 
worthy  of  all  honor , th&t  the  name  of  God  and  his  doflrine 


50 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


hen'A  blafpbetntd.  H.id  the  \poflle  preached  other  doctrine, 
he  would  have  armed  one  naif  of'  the  world  againfl  the 
other,  ard  excited  info rredt ions  and  maiTicres  through- 
out the  empre,  in  which  the  fluves  were  nearly  as  nu- 
merous as  the  freemen.  Tut,  if  any  miflionary  be 
blind  to  this  wholefome  doctrine  of  the  Scripture,  and 
if  he  be  deaf  to  the  confequences  of  preaching  other- 
wife,  which  he  will  not  fail  to  hear  from  every  quarter, 
let  the  laws  claim  the  penalty  of  his  rulhnefs.  We  will 
not  exclaim  that  religion  is  violated  by  his  punifhment  ; 
and,  v.e  expect  in  return,  tlut  the  dodrine  of  God  be 
not  blafphemed,  and  fober  minded  miilionaries  vilified, 
for  tire  dangerous  folly  of  a few  hot  headed  men. 

I have  not  heard  that  any  bad  conf. quences  have 
arifen  in  our  Colonies  from  the  labours  of  the  Moravian 
and  Mcthodi  l miilionaries  ; and  I am  in  hopes  that 
the  fears  of  my  Weft  Indian  countrymen  are  new 
pretty  well  calmed  on  that  head.  They  now 
begin  to  feel  the  advantage  of  their  m’.niftry,  and  in- 
vite them  to  labor  among  their  (laves.  When  once 
thof?  poor  creatures  are  made  real  Chrilli  ns,  they  almoft 
forget  that  they  are  flaves.  Theyblefs  God  for  that 
afflictive  providence,  which  tore  them  from  their  native 
land,  and  a'l  the  charities  of  life,  fince  it  has  placed  them 
in  circumflances  favorable  to  the  knowledge  of  Chrifl, 
and  the  faivation  of  their  immortal  fouls.  The  awful 
prohibitions  of  Chriflianity  not  only  wreft  the  dagger 
from  their  hands,  but  deprive  them  of  the  inclination  to 
ufe  it.  Inltead  of  execrating  their  enemies,  the  love  of 
Chrift  compels  them  to  bid's  and  pray  for  them.  Such 
are  the  effects,  with  many  others  highly  beneficial,  which 
flow,  naturally  and  neceffarily  from  the  introduction  of 
genuine  Chriflianity  into  ohr  celonies. 

What  has  been  faid  of  the  influence  of  religion  in  the 
Well  Indies,  will  equally  apply  to  the  B.  itifh  limpire  in 
India-  We  grant  jealousies  may  poflioly  be  excited 
among  the  Natives  by  the  intro  Juition  of  Chiiftianity, 


ON  MISSIONS. 


5i 

efpecially  among  the  Mahomedans,  whofe  religion  con- 
fniers  it  as  meritorious  to  make  war  on  all  mifbelievers. 
But,  when  I refledt  on  the  general  charadier  of  the  na- 
tives of  Indoftan,  I cannot  believe  any  infurredtions  on 
that  account  very  probable.  If  the  Britifli  power  there 
fhou'td  fuffer  fomething  in  the  attempt,  the  fuccefs  of  the 
attempt  muft  give  it  a (lability  which  it  has  not  yet  felt. 
And  if  the  ambition  and  avarice  of  the  India  Company 
do  not  one  day  ruin  their  affairs,  there  is  no  reafon  to 
fear  that  the  God,  at  whose  command  empires  rise  and 
fall,  will  overturn  their  empire  for  the  damnable  crimes 
of  countenancing  truth,  piety,  and  benevolence.  If  Iirdia 
Diredtors  are  too  far  gone  in  earthly  policy  to  attend  to 
these  reafonings,  v/e  need  not  their  fervices.  In  C dcutta 
we  dare  affert  the  liberties  ot  Englishmen,  and  the  light 
of  Chrift’s  fervants  to  preach  the  gospel  to  every  crea- 
ture. If  thofe  liberties  are  refused,  and  th  it  right  is 
laughed  at,  I hope  the  Eaft  will  foon  be  filled  w ith  miffi- 
onaries,  who  dare  fuffJr  any  thing  which  the  Governors 
of  India  dare  infl  dt,  and  who,  under  the  lien. elf  fire  of 
perfecution,  lhali  fpread,  on  every  fide,  the  light  of  the 
Glory  of  God,  in  the  face  of  Chrift  jefus. 

The  reft  of  this  letter  is 'omitted. 


EIGHTH  LETTER- 

Fathers  and  Brethren , 

In  a former  letter,  I endeavored  to  excite  vour  zeal 
by  fetting  before  you  the  example  of  the  A pottles.  in 
the  prelent  letter,  I Ihall  attempt  tr  call  fourth  the  fen- 
timents  of  ftiame,  indignation,  and  felf  contempt,  by- 
reminding  you  of  checondudt  of  thechildren  of  this  world 
whom  'in  Lord  pronounces  wife r in- their  generation  than 
the  children  of  light. 


52 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


Their  fuperior  wifdom  is  feen  in  the  agreement  of  their 
principles  and  practices  ; in  the  fitnefs  of  the  means  they 
employ  to  the  ends  they  would  accomplilh  ; in  the  bold- 
nefs  and  comprehenfton  of  their  plans  ; and  in  the  pol- 
icy, energy,  and  perfeverance,  with  which  they  effedt 
their  purpofe.  Nor  is  this  to  be  wondered  at.  They 
are  children  of  the  world.  They  live  in  thir  own  element; 
and  breathe  a congenial  air.  Familiarly  converfant  with 
the  objects  around  them,  they  tread  a beaten  path,  and 
animate  each  other  by  their  numbers  and  their  Ihouts. 
Their  principles  originate  in  their  nature,  are  ftrergth- 
ened  by  early  habits,  lharpened  by  education,  and  re- 
ceive their  perfection  from  that  grand  fcience  the 
knowledge  of  life,  in  which  they  find  the  major  part  of 
all  ranks  approving,  avowing,  vindicating,  applauding, 
and  aiding  upon  principles  fimilar  to  their  own.  They 
difcover  their  leading  intercft  with  inflindtive  sagacity, 
and  hunt  down  their  prey  with  the  fiercenefs  of  the  lion 
or  the  crafty  doublings  of  the  fox. 

With  the  children  of  light,  who  dwell  in  the  midft  of 
daikiiefs,  it  is  far  otherwise.  Their  principles,  spirit, 
and  manners,  have  little  affinity  with  thofe  of  the  world  ; 
and  they  are  naturally  defp'fed,  hated,  and  ridiculed  by 
her  children.  As  flrangers,  they  traverfe  an  unknown 
country  ; as  pilgrims,  they  enjoy  few  accomodations  ; 
and  as  lbldiers,  they  tread  on  hoilile  ground,  and  fight 
their  way  with  difficulty.  l oo  often,  difcouraged  by  the 
feverity  of  their  warfare, andthe  tediousnefsof  their  exile 
they  wifh  for  the  wings  of  the  dove,  that  they  might  flee 
away,  and  be  at  reft.  With  implacable  refentment  the 
God  of  this  world  and  his  armies  purfue  them,  as  the 
fugitives  of  his  kingdom  ; and,  what  is  worll  of  all,  they 
carry  in  their  own  breads  traitors,  who  would  persuade 
them  to  return  from  the  fatigues  of  the  wildernefs  to  the 
flefh  pots  of  Egypt.  Their  old  man  druggies  againft  the 
new  one,  inveterate  habits  recur,  and  the  llubbotn  princi- 
ples of  earthly  policy,  at  one  time  refill  the  wisdom  which 
cometh  from  above,  and,  at  another,  modify  and 


ON  MISSIONS. 


53 


accomodate  it  to  the  intereftts.  of  the  fle(h.  Hence 
religion  fits  awkwardly  upon  us.  Hence  our  purpofes  are 
broken  off,  poi  pmed,  or  executed  with  a Lirnidity  and 
fupinenel's,  which  deprive  them  of  half  their  ef- 
fect, and  indicate  that  theypoflefs  but  half  our  hearts. 

But,  if  the  children  of  this  worid  often  feduce  us  to 
evil,  they  also  afford  us  many  admirable  lefsons  how 
to  do  well.  In  the  present  case,  we  may  learn  much 
from  them  ; and  from  he  monarch  to  the  peafant  their 
conduct  in  their  refpective  Rations,  will  Ihame 
the  cowardice  and  inactivity  of  the  minifters  of 
Chrift. 

Let  us  fir  ft  call  our  eyes  on  the  mafs  of  inen,foldiers,  fai- 
lors,labourers,andlowmechanics  who  are  called  plebeians, 
the  vulgar,  the  rabble,  the  herd.  These  poor  men  toil 
to  extreme  laffnude,  allay  the  cravings  of  hunger  with 
coarfe  andfcanty  diet,  fhun  neither  hardlh’p  nor  danger 
in  their  occupations,  accelerate  the  approach  ofage  and 
decrepitude,  and  have  their  feelings  tortured  with 
the  infolence  of  command,  and  the  varied  feenes  of 
domellick  diflrefs  attendant  on  poverty  Thoufanis  of 
them  aie  continually  cruihed  in  mines,  burst  in  furnaces, 
immerged  in  waters,  poisoned,  flaughtered,  racked  to 
death  with  rheumatifm,  or  pine  away  in  confumption. 
Ten  thousand  fatal  casualties  are  daily  hurrying  them 
into  eternity.  Yet  they  do  notcomplain,  but  are  content 
and  cheerful.  With  manly  firmnefs,  they  fuppert  the 
load  of  life,  and  calmly  tiead  the  path  which  conducts 
them  to  their  end.  l'or  fixpence  a day  ihe  loWier  ex- 
pofes  his  life,  and  when  the  ball  penetrates  his  chell,  or 
his  vitals  palpitate  on  the  bayonet,  beguiles  his  anguhh 
with  the  thought  that  he  falls  on  the  bed  of  honor,  and 
dies  in  the  defence  of  his  country.  For  a trifling  (Upend, 
the  mariner  encounters  all  the  dangers  of  the  deep,  and 
braves  a war  ©f  elements.  Amid  thick  darknefs,  loud 
thunder,  livid  lightening,  and  deluging  rains,  he  mans 
the  rocking  yards,  climbs  the  reeling  mart,  or  toils  at 
the  laborious  pump.  Faithful  to  his  ihipmates,  and 


5+ 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


obedient  to  the  matter,  he  declines  no  fervice  but  cour- 
ageoufly  keeps  death  at  bay  until  he  finks  beneath  a 
mountain  of  waters.  All  this  do  thefe  poor  men  risk 
and  fuffer,  ftrange  to  tell,  without  one  Chrittian  princi- 
ple to  fupport  the  foul.  While  we,  under  all  the  func- 
tions cf  religion,  boalling  patrician  minds,  enlarged 
with  fcience,  and  fuperior  to  vulgar  fl'ghts,  dare  not  im- 
itate their  hardihood.  A morfel  of  bread  which  is  all 
they  fcek,  and  all  they  gain,  weighs  heavier  on  the 
balance  than  the  love  of  Chrift,  the  glory  of  God,  the 
falvation  of  men,  the  authority  of  fcripture,  the  fenfe 
of  right,  the  principle  of  honor,  and  all  the  praife  and 
glory  of  an  immortal  crown  ! ! Well  might  our  Lord 
exhort  us  to  tabor  for  the  bread  that  periiheth  not,  and 
to  agonize  to  enter  in  at  the  ftraight  gate  ! 

Confider  next  the  officers  of  the  army  and  navy. 
They  are  born  as  well,  educated  as  delicately,  and  have 
as  large  (hare  of  the  good  things  of  tills  world  as  the 
miniilers  of  the  gofpel-  They  are  refined  in  their  ideas, 
often  effeminate  in  their  manners,  and  in  their  perfons, 
not  more  robutt  than  ourfeiv’s.  But  when  their  coun- 
try calls  for  their  fwords,  they  come  forth  with  a com- 
mendable g.aliantry  ; and,  without  the  hardy  habits  of 
the  private,  go  through  the  fame  fatigues,  and  con- 
front the  fame  perils.  Not  content  with  meeting 
dangers  they  cannot  (inn,  the  principle  of  honor,  and 
the  hope  of  preferment,  pu(h  them  on  to  leek  occafions  of 
dittindiion  by  achievements  of  heroifm.  Neverthelefs, 
they  hive  parents,  wives,  and  children,  as  we  have, 
who  d.pend  for  a maintenance  on  the  lives  of  which 
they  are  fo  prodigal. 

But  how' ^ the  officers  of  the  armies  of  Chritt  con- 
duct themfel^s  ? ..Lillie  better,  I am  forrv  to  lay,  than 
an  unclileiplined  militia,  who  have  covenanted  to  fight 
only  pro  avis  et  f'oeis : and  who  are  encouraged  to  put 
on  a red  coat  and  parade  in  military  pomp,  becaufe 
they  (latter  themfclvcs  they  (hall  never  be  brought  to 
puffi  a bayonet.  1 o lee  us  cxercife  at  home  might  give 


ON  MISSIONS. 


55 


a high  idea  of  our  courage  and  prowefs,  if  it  were 
not  too  well  un-ierftood  that  we  had  an  invincible  dif- 
like  to  h ird  blows  and  long  marches.  Good  God  ! 
what  fl  iwmg  Eloquence,  what  ilrength  ot  reafoning, 
what  animated  declamation,  do  we  hear  from  our 
pulpits ! What  potent  demonitralions  of  the  truths  of 
Chrillianity,  what  confutations  of  infidelity,  what  ac- 
curate invalidation  of  moral  duties,  what  vehement 
recommendation  of  Chriltian  graces,  employ  the  prefs  ! 
And  who  would  not  think,  that  among  the  many 
who  write  and  fpeak  fuch  things,  a tolerable  number 
might  be  found  to  propagate  in  foreign  parts  a reli- 
gion of  which  we  are  fo  proud  at  home  ? Alas  ! while 
we  have  foft  pulpits  and  well  drelfed  congregations, 
fnug  livings  and  quiet  cures,  good  food  and  decent 
clothes,  and  may  relieve  die  dry  lludy  of  the  Apoftles 
and  Prophets  by  wantoning  in  the  circle  of  ancient  and 
modern  fcience,  we  manouvre  to  admiration.  But  to 
abjure  all  fcience  crcept  that  bf  the  gofpel,  to  compafs 
fea  and  land  for  the  love  of  Chrill,  to  proftitute  our 
eloquence  by  Hammering  in  a barbarous  tongue,  to  ex- 
change our  polithed  friends  for  favage  afl'oeiates,  to 
break  our  conftitution  with  hardlhips  in  a fickly  clime, 
and  to  put  off  the  fine  Gentleman,  that  we  may  put  on 
the  rough  garb  of  Chritl’s  foidiers,  are  things  hardly 
mentioned,  and  never  taught  in  our  colleges  and  uui- 
verfities. 

What  a pity  it  is,  Reverend  Brethren,  that  men  like 
us  fo  gentle  and  pacific,  fo  aveife  to  the  alarms  of  war, 
fo  unambitious  of  martyrdom,  and  fo  enamoured  of  the 
fciences,  fhould  hive  enii, ted  under  the  banners  of  a 
Prince  who  afFefted  to  be  neither  philofopher,  gram- 
marian, nor  rhetorician  ; who  fufFered  jo  much  in  his 
own  perf >n  as  to  be  willing  to  allow  fmall  intervals  of 
repofe  to  his  followers  ; who,  infiead  of  putting  pens  in 
our  hands,  lays  crofles  on  our  backs  ; and  who  inilead  of 
deceiving  us  with  fair  fpeeches,  and  alluring  hopes  of  fe- 
cular  emoluments,  declares  unceremoniouily,  that  if  any 
man  will  not  deny  himfelfand  follow  him,  although  it  be 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


56 

to  certain  death,. he  is  unworthyof  him  ! Would  to  God 
this  were  a fubject  in  which  there  was  no  place  for  thefe 
biting  ironies-  But  I am  fick  at  heart,  1 blufh  for 
myfelf  and  the  honor  of  my  corps,  and  muft  write 
what  I feel.  Shall  the  principle  of  honor,  and  the 
hope  of  flow,  petty,  precarious  preferment,  advance 
the  children  of  this  world  to  the  rank  of  heroes,  while 
the  certain,  glorious  preferments  held  out  to  us  by  the 
Son  of  God  have  no  power  to  move  us,  but  are  trod- 
den under  foot,  as  though  they  were  husks,  or  we  were 
fwine  ? 

Advance  next  ye  fons  of  learning,  arts,  experiments, 
and  try  upon  us  lagging  racers,  the  powers  of  your 
manly  eloquence,  and  the  evidence  of  your  demonftra- 
tions.  In  the  prefent  century.  Geography  and  Aftron- 
omy  have  received  great  improvements,  at  confiderable 
expcnce,  by  long,  hazardous  voyages,  travels  full  of 
fatigue  and  peril,  and  painful  obfervations  taken  in  the 
Ar&ic  Circle,  on  the  fummits  of  the  Andes,  and  in  the 
Iflands  of  the  South  Seas.  By  thefe  undertakings  the 
names  of  Cooke,  Wallis,  Banks,  Ledyard,  Haughton, 
Maupertius,  and  others,  have  been  refcued  from  obliv- 
ion, and  will  be  handed  down  to  pofferity,  together 
with  the  names  of  the  great  Kings,  whofe  commands 
they  executed,  as  long  as  the  records  of  fcience  fhail 
fubfift.  But  are  obfervations  of  the  tranfit  of  Venus, 
the  menfuration  of  a degree  of  longitude,  the.  foiving 
the  problem  of  a Southern  Continent,  objects  of  fuch 
magnitude  ? Will  they  exonerate  t he  Princes  who 
commandedjor  the  men  who  performed  their  commands, 
from  the  imputation  of  idle  curiofity,  unjuftifiable  te- 
merity, and  a wafte  of  treal'ure  and  of  Blood  ? If  they 
do,  and  if  He  who  made  man  in  his  own  image,  and 
redeemed  him  by  the  death  of  his  own  Son,  be  able  to 
appieciate  the  value  of  an  immortal  foul,  are  there  not 
inducements  to  draw  the  Mi  lifters  of  Chrift  to  Africa, 
Alia,  and  the  South  Seas,  infinitely  more  worthy  of  a 
noble  mind,  than  the  acquilition  of  wealth  or  the  im* 


ON  MISSIONS. 


57 

provement  of  fcience  ? Shall  religion  refufe  to  follow, 
where  the  love  of  fcience  leads  ? Or,  have  the  ambafla- 
dors  of  God  lefs  affiance  on  his  protection,  than  the 
naturalift  who  exploies  the  dangerous  chafms  and  tre- 
mendous crater  of  a volcano  ? 0 God  of  the  Chriflians, 
fuffer  it  r.o  longer  ! If  the  great  and  ftrong  decline  the 
conflict,  let  the  bafe  and  weak  again  fliow  the  world, 
that  thy  Majefly  cor.defcends  to  employ  the  meanefl 
inflruments,  and  that  thy  religion  prevails  net  by  the 
wifdom  of  man,  but  by  the  powers  of  thy  fpirit,  O 
Lord  ! 

The  mighty  aCts  of  Commerce  fhould  not  be  forgot- 
ten. What  has  fhe  not  effected  ? .She  navigates  every 
fea,  levels  mountains,  traverfesthe  defert?,  and  through- 
out the  world  changes  the  whole  face  of  Nature.  She 
rides  the  fenate,  controls  the  neld,  and  difpenfes  peace 
or  war  as  fhe  pleafes.  She  a Herts  univerfal  empire,  and 
calling  the  nations,  peoples,  and  languages  to  the  plains 
of  Dura,  commands  them  to  fall  down  andworfhip  the 
golden  image  fhe  has  let  up. 

From  the  time  that  Columbus  led  the-wny  to  a new 
world,  and  De  Gama,  skirting  the  coail  of  Africa,  pen- 
etrated to  the  Indian  Ocean,  and  the  treafures  of  the  Eaft 
how  amiable,  how  uncorrupt,  how  fweetened  with  hu- 
man kindnefs,  how  marked  with  every  character  of  our 
religion,  how  beneath  all  praife  and  recompense,  ex- 
cept fuch  as  God  can  give,  has  been  the  conduct  of  the 
merchants,  of  Portugal,  Spain,  Holland,  France,  and 
England  ! From  that  blefled  aera,  with  what  a mighty 
tide  has  their  benevolence  rolled  to  the  American,  the 
African,  and  the  Afian  fhores  ! What  iflands  has  it 
not  peopled  ? What  barbarous  country  has  it  not  civil- 
ized ! What  arts  and  laws  acknowledge  not  its  creating 
power  and  foflering  care  i What  emancipated  flave 
does  not  extend  to  heaven  his  unfettered  arrn,  and  bear 
teflimony  to  it  ! ! ! 

cili  hail,  Chriltian  Europe^!  All  hail,  ye  her  feeptered 
Ruiers,  Defenders  of  the  faith,  Moft  Faithful,  Mod  Cath- 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


58 

olic,  M-'fl  Chrifti  n Kings  ! Ye  Nobles,  and  7?  m'tred 
Bilhops  of  htr  realms  ! Ye  princely  Traders,  and  ye  ie- 
g.l  Seers  ! Ye  Leaders  of  her  hofts  by  land  and  fea, 
w o rule  the  ftorm  of  w^r,  and  bid  her  battles  bleed  ! 
Oihers  have  d.  ne  well  ; but  Thou  Christian  Eu- 
rope, excelh  It  them  ail  ! The  Greek,  Roman,  Saracen, 
Turkman,  Tartar  tword,  has  thinned  the  n itions  ; but 
Thou,  great  in  arts  »nd  arms,  Queen  of  the  Earth,  and 
facied  mother  of  Chrillians,  halt  every  where  planted 
the  olive,  and  embraced  thy  fpecies  with  maternal 
arms  I The  fpirits  rf  the  Incas,  Montezuma,  .A fun 
R jabs,  Indian  Chief-,  African  Princes,  Kings  of  Y- 
chin  and  of  Crmus,  and  the  myriads  of  their  vm< der- 
ed  fuojects,  watch  over  thy  peace,  and  make  interceffion 
for  thy  profperity  before  God  ! Thy  Kurelled  foldiery, 
thy  triumph  mt  fleets,  and  the  numerous  carriers  of  thy 
trade,  return  to  thy  blefled  kingdoms  lefs  richly  fraught 
with  gold  and  coftly  merchandize,  than  laden  Qc-.p 
with  benediction,  and  the  grateful  acclam  dions  of 
the  tribes  of  man  ? Exult  ye  Martyrs,  in  fons  who 
thus  perpeiuate  your  fame  ! Rejoice  Apultles,  in 
thefe  peaceful,  righteous  trophies  of  the  crofs  ! 

Ana  Thou,  Father  of  all,  contemplate  thefe  fair 

F >rgive,  God  of  all  mercy,  forgive  the  prefumption  of 
this  addrtfs  ! For  ever,  if  it  be  pv  fil  >le,  lor  ever 
let  thefe  aohorred  a«fts  be  blotted  from  the  memorial  of 
thy  hobnefs.  But  if  the  earth,  bathed  with  gore,  and 
fattened  with  human  carc.ifles, cries  loudly  for  vengea:  ce, 
and  if  the  facrifice  of  thine  immaculate  Son  may  not  ne 
prohituted  to  varnifh  crimes,  and  to  fhield  the  murderer 
and  fpoiler  fiom  thy  thunder,  grant,  that  in  that  day, 
when  thou  makeft  inquifirion  for.  blooJ,  I may  not  be 
found  guilty  of  filence  where  1 ought  to  have  fp  ken, 
cr  be  criminated  for  burying  the  talent  which  ought  to 
have  been  employed  in  confolii.g  he  mourner,  wiping 
away  the  tear  from  his  eye,  and  alleviating  the  guhing 
weight  of  his  chain,  by  declaring  to  the  cap  ive  the 
glorious  liberty  of  the  children  of  God,  and  opening 


ON  MISSIONS. 


59 


to  !his  rawlhed  foul,  fome  profpefls  of  a better  country, 
where  no  Chriltians  ihirltfor  gold,  where  the  wicked  ceafc 
from  troubling,  and  the  wearv  are  at  rdt  ! 

Do  you  also,  Reverend  Brethren,  forgive  the  tranf- 
ports  of  my  feeble  mind.  But  the  transactions  1 allude 
to,  exceed  fo  far  any  exertions  1 have  beenahie  to  discov- 
er, in  the  fr  ozen  regions  of  the  church  that  1 was  leizcd 
with  the  madnefs  of  the  multitude,  and  cou'd  not  refill 
the  temptation  of  bowing  my  k ee  and  woilhippmg  at 
the  united  altars  cf  Commerce  and  of  Rapine.  Youi  fo- 
ber  minds  will  reason  where  1 have  only  felt  ; but 
permit  me  to  hope,  that  to  ycur  re.-soi  ings  you  will  alfo 
ciate  a portion  of  my  feelings,  ana  you  wili  then  have 
fuch  an  application  of  the  fubjedt  as  I could 
will). 

A few  otter  skins  at  Nootka  Sound,  foon  excited  the 
fj  irit  of  adventure  in  hurope,  and  not  long  jfter  the 
JEiiglifh  and  Spaniards  were  going  to  cut  each  other’s 
throats  about  them  This,  it  feems,  was  peifedlly  con- 
fonant  to  right  rcafon.  Nobody  ful'p  dted  the  nations 
were  mad.  And  is  there  a man  among  ail  the  Miniiters 
of  Chrill  who  will  treat  me  as  mad  for  exhorting  my 
Brethren  in  the  Gofpel  Minillry,  to  propagate  religion 
with  as  much  zeal  as  the  men  of  the  world  trade  and 
fight  for  otter  fkins  ? God  forbid  ! 

Thus  reviewing  ail  ranks  and  orders  of  men,  we  lee 
that  the  children  ot  this  world  are  wifer,  bolder,  and 
and  more  fuccefsful  in  their  generation  than  the  chil- 
dren of  light.  Earneltly  hefeeching  the  Lord  to  give 
you  all  to  feel  how  llrongly  they  reproach  us. 

I remain  Reverend  Bretheren. 

* ' 


Your  affedlionate,  Brother, 
F 


M.  H. 


6o 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


' NINTH  LETTER. 

Fathers  and  Brethren , 

H WING  ’raced  the  general  outline  of  what  I 
have  to  .1  Her  on  Mifliions,  1 leave  it  to  he  fnied  up  by 
you?  private  meditations,  or  by  feme  abler  artift,  who 
may  be  excited  to  prefent  you  with  a finifhed  piece  on 
tins  ir.ti retting  fu!  jt,dt.  But  J cannot  petfuade  myfelf 
to  lay  aln'e  my  p;.n,  without  again  addn  ffing  to  you 
ti  e word  oi  exhortation,  and  when  fo  many  are  for- 
ward in  cal  ing  you  into  the  field  of  political,  or  po- 
le > ic  bif  uffion,  ceitaii  ly  I may  be  hold  in  provoking 
you  to  lr  ’ e ot  the  molt  difintereiled  kind,  and  to  thole 
gnoo  works  which  are  nr  It  acceptable  to  God,  as  they 
or  e.’  ate  m the  pureft  principles. 

In  the  Reverend  Mr  Carey’s  Publication  on  this 
fu1  j.ct,  l was  Itruck  w ith  the  following  p«flage,  which 
I fhail  r quell  perimllion  to  lay  before  yc  u.  “ A 
“ Chrilti  n minilter  i-  a ptrlrn  who  in  a peculiar  fenfe 
“ i not  his  onvn  ; he  is  the  lervant  ot  God,  and  there- 
“ fore  > u lit  to  be  wholly  d<v  ted  to  him.  By  er.ter- 
“ in>r  oi  '.hat  lacred  office-,  he  fol  -mnly  undertakes  to 

he  always  er  gaged,  aS  much  as  poflhle,  in  the  Lord’s 
“ wo:  k and  not  to  chule  his  own  piealure  or  eropioy- 
“ ent,  or  purfue  ihc  miniitry  as  a thing  w hich  is  to 
“ ferve  his  own  ends,  or  imei  Its,  or  as  a kind  oi  bye 
“ •wrk.  He  engages  to  go  where  Go.  pleafes,  and  to 
“ . o or  endure  what  He  Ice  fit  to  command,  in  the 
“ exevcife  of  his  function  He  virtu  .ily  id  farewell  to 
“ 1 'eiu's,  p e lures,  a d comfort;  and  ttands  in  read- 
“ iuefs  to  e time  ihe  greater  luff  iings  in  the  work 
“ of  lus  Lord  and  Ma  'er.—  It  is  incontinent  wirli  min- 
“ iltii-  to  i lrale  to  rule  ves  w ith  the  thoughts  of  a nu- 
(l  merous  audnoiy,  cordial  friends,  a civilized  country, 


ON  MISSIONS. 


6 1 


“ legal  protection,  affluence,  fplendor  or  even  a compe- 
“ tency.  The  flights  and  hatred  of  men,  falfe  iner.ds, 
“ gloomy  prifons  and  tortures,  the  iociety  of  barbari- 
“ ans,  of  uncouth  fpeech.  miferable  accommodation-;, 
“in  wretch.d  wildernefles,  hunger  and  third,  naked- 
“ nefs,  wearincfs  and  pai.ifuinefs,  hard  work,  and  litt'e 
“ worldly  encouragement,  fhould  rather  be  the  objects 
“ of  their  expectation,  Thus  the  Apofties  aCted  in  the 
“ primitive  times,  a:id  endured  hardnefs  as  good  fol- 
“ diers  cf  Jefus  Chriil ; and  though  we,  who  live  in  a 
“ civilized  country,  where  Chriftianity  is  protected  by 
la  v,  are  not  called  to  fuif.-r  thefe  things  while  we 
“ continue  here,  yet,  I quedion,  whether  all  are  juf- 
•*  tified  in  (laying  here,  wniie  fo  many  are  perifhing 
“ without  the  means  of  grace  in  other  lands.  Sure  I 
“ am  that  it  is  entirely  contrary  to  the  fpirit  of  the  goi- 
“ pel,  for  its  minillers  to  be  adluated  by  interelled  mo- 
“ tives.  On  the  contrary  their  commiffion  is  a lufficient 
“ call  for  them  to  venture  all,  and  like  the  firlt  Chrif- 
“ tians  go  every  where  preaching  the  gofpel.” 

Thefe,  Reverend  Brethren,  are  fentiments  worthy 
of  our  Character  as  the  Servants  of  God.  Rejected  by 
mercenary  eflayifts  and  faihionable  declaimers  they  find 
acceptance  with  you,  and  are  cherifhed  in  your  breads  ; 
but,  alas  ! how  negligent  are  we  in  giving  thefe  princi- 
ples their  proper  culture  ! Principles  did  I call  them  3 — 
To  what  a dilemma  am  l reduced  ? Shall  I wou  id 
you,  or  wrong  the  truth  ? Better  far  if  it  be  fo  to  of- 
fend men  than  God.  No,  Brethren,  I dare  not  call  them 
principles , otherwife  than  as  they  are  principles  of  a 
fpecuiative  fublime  theory,  which  few  of  us  care  to 
praCtife  In  the  clofet  we  fometimes  meditate  upon, 
them  with  delight ; in  the  pulpit  we  enforce  them  wt  h 
energy  ; but  how  foon,  how  very  foon,  do  we  go  away, 
and  forget  what  manner  of  men  we  are  ? 

“ Who  is  he,”  faid  the  beloved  difciple,  “ that  over- 
“ cometh  the  world,  but  he  that  believeth  that  Jelus  is 


62 


HORNE’S  LETTERS  - 


“ the  Son  of  God?”  Alas  ! of  the  thoufands  of  our 
Ifrael,  whether  minifters  or  their  flocks,  how'  few  are 
they  whole  religion  will  bear  this  teft  ? Where  are  the 
holy,  happy  fpirits  who  have  overcome  the  world,  and  by 
a truly  glorious  vidtory  calf  contempt  on  Macedon  and 
Rome  ? Where  are  the  men  whofe  converfuion  is  lb  in 
heaven,  who  fo  behold  the  glory  of  God,  as  to  be  railed 
above  the  intereils,  the  hopes,  the  fears,  the  pomps  and 
vanities  of  our  petty  fyftem  ? O how  very  few  there  are 
to  whom  wTe  can  point  with  our  finger  and  fay,  that 
man  is  truly  apoftolic  ! The  great  Majority  of  fuch  as, 
in  the  judgment  of  Charity,  may  be  deemed  fmcere 
Chrillians,  are  nevert’uelefs,  in  a feeble  infantile, 
unfettled  ftitc,  halting  often,  fometimes  humbling, 
grieving  their  friends  and  affording  triumph  to  their 
enemies.  N'otwithftanding  the  revival  of  religion 
which  has  taken  place  in  England,  in  the  laft  fifty  years, 
what  littienefs  of  faith,  what  coldnefs  of  love  is  there 
among  us  ? While  we  compare  ourfelves  among  our- 
felves  we  are  all  difpofed  to  afTume  praife  ; but  when 
we  place  ourfelves  in  the  light  of  God’s  countenance, 
with  what  difficulty  do  we  endure  the  divine  fplendor  ? 
What  doubts,  what  fears,  too  often  repel  our  confidence, 
confound  our  fpirits,  flop  our  mouths  and  prevent  the 
delightful  accents  of  Abba  Father,  which  can  alone 
gladden  our  hearts  ? 

When  I confider  the  ftate  of  things  among  us  I won- 
der that  infidels  have  not  thought  it  worth  their  while 
to  follow',  more  generally,  in  the  track  of  Mandeville, 
and  relinquilhing  the  attacks  upon  the  doctrine  and  evi- 
dencies  of  Chriftianity,  diredted  their  malice  to  a more 
vulnerable  part,  and  (tabbed  our  Saviour  through  the 
perfons  of  his  followers.  Where  truth  and  brotherly 
kindnefs  find  fo  much  to  cenfure  and  lament,  what 
havoc  might  we  not  expedt  from  ignorance,  fallhood, 
and  malignity  ? This  indeed  appears  to  have  been  the 
mode  of  attack  adopted  by  Voltaire  and  other  peftife- 
rous  fpirits  on  the  Continent.  They  have  prevailed. 


ON  MISSIONS. 


The  religion  of  Jefus  is  profcribed,  his  fabbath;  are 
changed,  his  crofs  trampled  upon,  and  his  mediation 
defpifed.  But  coffd  Voltaire  and  his  nefiriouscoiieagu  .s 
work  fuch  wonders  ? God  forbid  i The  Prieds.  the  Prieds 
betrayed  their  God  and  their  religion.  fheir  bigotry,  i'u- 
perttition,  fecular  and  fpiri.ual  wickedneffes,  have  m ids 
their  flocks  infidels,  atheifis,  and  a holy,  righteous  God 
has  delivered  them  over  to  be  deftr  jyed  and  plundered 
by  the  miferable  men  whom  they  have  provoke. i to 
madnefs,  and  caul'ed  to  blafphenre  that  venerable  name 
by  which  they  were  called.  May  we  fee  the  rod,  and 
learn  inflruction  from  their  fall  ! May  we  be  jealou . of 
our  rr.iniftry,  and  compel  men  to  refpett  it,  by  lb  mak- 
ing tiie  light  of  our  holy  converfatiop  to  Ihine  b?f  re 
them,  that  they  miy  fee  our  good  works  and  glorify 
our  Father  who  is  in  heave'n.  The  minidry  h >.s  f>ng 
fa.len  under  great  contempt  among  us,  and  the  laity 
too  generally  confider  us  as  mere  fecular  men,  who  de- 
claim for  pay  and  with  vile  grimace,  one  day  out  of 
feven,  hold  forth  a language,  which  if  true,  condemns 
ourfeives  as  much  as  thole  who  hear  us.  Mmtead  of 
blaming  them,  let  us  reform  ourfeives.  Indead  of 
talking  of  the  dignity  of  our  ch ar.ufter,  let  its  learn  to 
feel  and  fupport  it.  Let  us  [how  th  m that  we  delpifc 
money,  are  luperior  to  popularity,  and  lure  renounced 
ail  meddling  with  what  is  foreign  ro  our  calling.  L»c 
us  mark  the  example  of  St  Paul,  “ Giving,”  as  he 
fays,  “ no  offence  in  any  thing  that  the  mini  id  y be  not 
“ blamed  ; but  in  ail  things  approving  ourfeives  as  the 
“ minillers  of  God,  in  much  patience,  in  afllitflions.  in 
“ necellities,  in  dillreffss,  in  llripes.  in  imprifonments, 
“ in  tumults,  in  labors,  in  watchings,  in  fattmgs,  by 
‘‘  purenef>,  by  know  edge,  by  long  liilfering,  by  kinU- 
“ uc*s)  by  the  Holy  Ghod,  by  love  unfeigned,  oy  me 
“ word  of  truth,  by  the  p iwer  of  God,  by  the  aimour 
**  of  righteoiifnefs  oa  the  right  hand  and  on  the  left,  by 
11  honor  and  dilhonor,  by  evil  report  an  l good  report  ; 
“ as  deceivers  and  yet  true  ; as  unknown,  and  yet  v.  silt 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


<4 

“ known  ; as  dying  and  behold  we  live  ; as  chaftened, 
“ and  not  killed  ; as  forrowful,  yet  always  rejoicing  ; 
“ as  poor,  yet  making  many  rich  ; as  having  nothing, 
“ and  yet  poffl.  fling  all  things.” 

Let  us  do  this,  and  the  miniftry  will  hold  up  its  head. 
And  (hould  it  be  thought,  that  the  circumstances  of 
our  iiving  in  a Chriftian  country  and  enjoying  the  pro- 
tection of  equal  laws,  difpenfe  with  our  exhibiting  fome 
of  thofe  atteftations  of  our  miniftry,  which  the  Apoftie 
enumerates,  I beg  leave  to  obferve  that  as  a mere  nom- 
inal Chriftianity  in  our  countrymen  will  never  Ihield  us 
from  contempt,  hatred,  reproach,  and  perfecution,  as  far 
as  the  laws,  of  the  land  will  permit,  in  the  faithful 
difcharge  of  our  miniftry,  fo  the  polfefflon  and  excercife 
of  fervent  and  expanfive  charity,  both  to  the  evil  and 
the  good,  would  neceffarily  make  us  fymbolize  with  the 
Apoftles  in  labors,  watchings,  fallings,  affliction,  necef- 
fities  and  diftrelTes  of  various  kinds..  An  attempt 
to  do  much  good  is  the  fure  way  to  fuffer  much  evil. 
Provided  we  willlet  the  world  go  on  as  itpleafes,  andfee 
our  fellow  creatures  polling  to  perdition  without  any, 
or  with  only  feeble  attempts  to  fave  them,  they  will 
leave  us  alone,  and  perhaps  fpeak  well  of  us  ; but  let 
us  throw  ouifelves  in  their  way,  let  us  attempt  to  ftem 
the  torrent,  and  we  fhall  find  religion  will  receive  little 
better  treatment  at  this  day,  than  it  did  eighteen  hun- 
dred years  ago.  Our  meeting  with  fo  little  perfecution 
lor  righteoufnefs  fake,  is  one  demonftration,  that  our 
religion  does  not  over  much  gall  fhe  Devil  and  his 
children.  For  he  and  they  will  certainly  fight  for  their 
kingdom.  But  it  is  worfe  Hill  that  we  feem  JiudiouJIy  to 
fhun  the  crofs  of  Chrift.  How  many  of  us  are  quitting 
fome  fituations,  and  rejecting  others,  which  promife 
much  ufefulnefs,  merely  becaufe  we  think  our  learning 
and  talents  thrown  away  on  the  poor,  or  our  (Upends 
fo  fmall  that  we  cannot  live  upon  them  like  Gentlemen, 
or  becaufe  our  fpirits  are  too  high  to  (loop  to  owe  our 
maintenance  to  pious  fiends ; or  becaufe  we  cannot 
live  by  faith  on  the  libeiality  and  faithfuinefs  of  Chrift, 


ON  MISSIONS. 


*5 


and  endure  the  profpetf  of  leaving  our  widows  and  or- 
phans to  his  iupport?  How  tew  of  us  prefer  a poor 
place  to  a rich  one,  and  think  it  a fufficient  rcafon  for 
doing  fo,  that  we  can  be  more  ufeful,  and  more  pious, 
in  an  humble  llation. 

I flatter  myftlf  none  of  you,  Brethren,  will  ask,  What 
has  all  this  to  do  with  Millions  ? But  if  you  do,  I an- 
fwer,  evidently  very  much.  While  we  betray  this  fec- 
ular  fpirit,  are  fo  very  polite,  and  fo  much  like  fine 
Gentlemen,  what  have  we,  or  what  ought  we  to  have,  to 
do  with  Miffi'ons?  To  what  can  it  be  aferioed,  but  to 
the  prevalence  of  this  fpirit,  and  of  thefe  manners,  chat 
we  hardly  ever  think  of  them  ? Are  not  Heathen  men  ? 
Have  they  not  fouls  to  be  faved  ? Dare  we  avow  other 
end  in  our  miniltry  than  the  falvation  of  men’s  fouls  ? 
Are  we  not  commanded  to  go  and  preach  the  gofpel  to 
them  ? Are  there  any  difeouragements  which  flop  the 
children  of  the  worldinthe  purfuit  of  money;  and  if  we 
loved  fouls  as  well  as  they  love  money  would  difeour- 
agements flop  us  ? Are  the  minifters  of  the  gofpel  the 
only  men  born  with  the  fouls  of  women  ? Have  we 
a right  to  talk  of  dangers  and  fufferings,  who  believe 
the  Son  of  God  was  incarnate  for  our  fake,  born  in  a 
liable,  cradled  in  a manger,  lived  on  alms,  had  no 
place  where  to  lay  his  head,  and  expired  like  a malc- 
iador  on  a crofs  ? Let  moralills  decline  danger  and 
fhrink  at  death  ; but  let  not  us,  who  call  ourfelves  em- 
phatically gofpel  minifters,  who  rejoice  in  Chrill  crucified, 
who  preach  remilfion  of  fin  in  his  name,  and  fpeak  of 
a life  hidden  with  him  in  God,  let  us  not  follow  their  ex- 
ample ; cr,if  we  do,  let  us  candidly  contefs,  that  our  wa- 
vering faith  has  no  firm  hold  of  Him,  who  is  the  ref- 
urredtion  and  the  life.  And  if  Heathen  are  men,  have 
fouls,  and  the  only  end  of  our  minillry  is  the  falvation 
of  men’s  fouls ; if  we  are  commanded  to  preach  the 
gofpel  to  them,  if  we  love  fouls  as  well  as  the  children 
of  this,  world  love  money,  if  we  are  not  women  in  the 
form  of  men,  and  if  the  fufftrings  of  Jesus  prohibit 


66 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


all  pufillanimous  clamors  about  fufferings  and  danger, 
is  not  our  God  jealous,  does  he  not  require  cheerful, 
uniform  obedience,  and  will  He  hold  us  guiltlefs,  if  we 
refufe  to  obey  his  pleafure  ? Say  we  lhall  not  forfeit  Hea- 
ven, though  we  all  lurk  at  home  iikc  fluggards,  yet  is 
there  nothing  in  our  fouls,  which  afpires  to  heavenly 
praife  and  glory  ? With  this  littlenefs  of  foul  fhall  we 
not  blufn  to  meet  the  Apoflles  in  their  Matter's  joy  ? 
Shall  we  be  content  to  be  faved  as  by  fire,  when  we  are 
called  each  of  us  to  enter  into  glory  like  Elijah  in  fol- 
enin  triumph  ? O where  is  the  Lord  God  of  Elijah  ! Or 
where  the  fpirit  of  him  who  faid“  it  becometh  me  to  ful- 
“ fill  all  righleousnefs- — it  is  my  meat  and  drink  to  do 
“ the  will  of  Him  who  fent  me, and  to  finilh  the  work 
“ *hich  He  has  given  me  to  do  ?’ 

How  long,  Brethren,  fhall  we  rebel  againft  our  Lord? 
How  long,  like  Jonah,  fhall  we  attempt  to  flee  from  his 
fpirit,  and  refufe  to  carry  glad  tidings  of  great  joy  unto 
all  people  ? bhould  fome  fneering  infidel  take  up 
this  publication.  What  would  he  fay  on  reading  it  ? 
What  can  we  expedt  him  to  fay  ? 1 fancy  I hear  him 

exprefsing  himself  in  the  following  language,  “ What 
does  this  mad  fellow  mean  ? Why  does  he  not  go  to 
“ the  Heathen  himfelf  ? Or  if  he  did,  can  he  imagine 
M his  enthufraftical  publications  will  make  others  as  mad 
as  himieif  ? Let  him  writeforever,  our  Bilhops,  Arch- 
“ deacons,  andother  church  dignitaries  will  not  budge  an 
“ inch.  Rectors,  Vicars,  and  Curates,  are  well  difpofed 
“ to  follow'  their  good  example,  and  will  never  be  pre- 
vailed  on  to  turn  fpirituai  kr.ight-errants.  The  Dif- 
“ fenterswho  charge  the  Eftabliihmentas  the  e’derdaugh- 
“ ter  of  Rome  and  fay  her  minifters  preach  only  for  fat 
“ livings,  have  no  more  zeal  than  the  men  they  reprove 
*•  to  encounter  their  miflionary  windmills.  Even  the 
“ Methodifts,  who  connder  thrmfclves  as  the  grand 
“ Reformers  of  theday,  and  vapour  about  the  hardlhips 
“ of  their  itinerancy,  love  to  keep  in  fnug  quarters  in 
“ Old  England,  or  have  no  flomach  to  venture  farther 
*1  than  our  Welt  India  lflands,  where  they  live  in  com- 


ON  MISSIONS. 


67 


“ fort,  and  can  aflame  the  important  name  of  miflion- 
“ aries,  without  experiencing  the  hardlhips  of  the  under- 
“ taking.  Hie  model!,  quiet  Moravians,  are  the  only 
“ people,  who  feem  to  believe  the  Apollles  and  Prophets 
“ and  who  whether  they  do  much  or  little,  look  the 
“ hardlhips  of  a million  in  the  face  like  men.  l'liis 
“ fellow  had  better  think  of  his  own  preferment,  and 
“ dream  of  millions  on  a foft  bed,  than  thus  proclaim  him 
“ felf  a fool  by  l'uppofing  his  letters  can  do  good  in  the 
“ world.” 

Churchmen,  Diflenters,  Methodills,  what  will  you  reply 
to  this  reproach  ? Shall  we  make  a book  to  confute  him? 
It  will  be  found,  I fear  on  the  trial,  that  it  is  easier  to 
make  a hundred  books,  than  to  engage  one  man  to  prove 
the  linceriiy  of  his  love  to  perifhing  tinners, by  facrificing 
himfeif  and  his  family  to  their  welfare  Here  we  are 
differingifrom  each  other  in  various  points,  and  contend- 
ing hard  to  ihew  that  our  own  Sedt,  whatever  it  is,  is 
lodged  in  the  penitralia  of  the  Temple  of  Truth, 
and  is  the  foremolt  in  the  race  for  heaven  ; 
but  when  the  question  is  put,  Wnich  of  you 
will  forfake  all,  deny  himfelf,  take  up  his  crofs,  and, 
if  God  pleafes,  die,  for  his  religion  ? It  presently 
appears  that  Churchmen, Diflenters,  and  Methodifts,  are 
more  closely  united  in  principle  and  practice  than  they 
are  aware  of.  We  all  ilraightway,  with  one  confenc, 
begin  to  make  apologies  and  to  fay,  I pray  have  me  ex- 
cused, while  fome  openly  call  contempt  on  the  underta- 
king, and  throw  out  evangelical  jokes  upon  the  few  who 
coniider  millions  in  a ferious  light.  Shall  Churchmen, 
Diflenters,  Metnodiils,  deny  these  fadts,  because  there 
are  among  each  of  them  a few  men  whofe  condudt  may 
be  urged  as  an  exception  againlt  them  ? Surely  this  is 
disingenuou  s. 

Many  of  us  complain  of  an  antichriflian  union  between 
Church  and  Hate,  and  that  religion  is  fettered,  and  m ode, 
like  a child,  to  walk  in  leading  Itiings.  We  fay  that  re- 
ligion flourilhed  moll  when  Ihe  had  to  contend  with 


as 


HORNE'S  LETTERS 


the  State,  and  had  no  other  fupport  than  what  fhe  de- 
ri  ved  from  her  own  native  ftrength.  Let  this  be  granted. 

It  was  fo  once,  but  it  is  a little  problematical,  whether 
it  would  be  fo  now.  “ Tempora  mutantur  et  nos  muta- 
mur  in  illis,”  Are  we  apojlolic  Cbriflians  ? Can  ive  I ‘ 

contend  with  hunger,  thirft,  cold,  nakednefs,  perils,  and  I 

the  fword  ? Can  we  walk  without  thofe  leading  firings  ? 

If  we  can,  and  if  we  feel  them  fo  galling,  fo  degrading,  | 1 
why  do  we  not  do  fo  ? Are  there  not  two  thirds  of  the  f1 
world,  where  we  lhall  not  be  infulted  by  legal  protection,  11 
or  be  paid,  like  fecular  men,  for  our  labor  ? Have 
we  not  full  cportunity  of  fhewing  the  politicians  and  J 
great  men  of  Europe,  that  Chrift,  his  minifters, 
and  people,  are  able  to  uphold  their  religion  in  ■' 

the  world,  without  their  support  and  that  we  n 

can  multiply  now,  as  in  the  primitive  times  n 

like  the  polypus,  when  he  is  cut  in  pieces  ? And  yet 
the  preciie  realbn  v.  hy  we  do  not  engage  iirMiffions  is 
because  we  cannot  enjoy  that  fecular  protection,  and  thofe  I f 
fecular  comforts,  which  we  have  in  England.  To  follow  111 

the  Son  of  God  where  he  has  no  place  to  lay  his  head, 
and  no  other  recompence  to  offer  us,  than  the  cup  he  W 

drank  of  and  the  baptifm  with  which  he  was  baptifed,  is  | cl 
more  I fear  than  we  are  able  to  do  ; and  until  we  can  do  m 
fo,  it  will  remain  very  queftionable,  whether  we  can  walk 
without  out  our  leadings  firings.  l‘ 

This  appears  to  be  the  cafe  fo  evidently,  that  thofe 
who  patronize  Millions  feel  it  neceffary  to  fecularize  them,  I oil 
and  to  put  them,  as  much  as  poffible,  on  the  fame  footing  Li 
asaparochialCure  inEurope.  They  are  afraid  of  alarming  Id 
us  by  Ihewing  the  dark  fide  of  things,  and  hardly  conceive  rc 
that  there  exifi  among  us  men,  whofe  fpirit.dare  afpireto  > su 
an  apoflolic  warfare  Hence  it  is,  that  neither  they  nor  | 
we  have  faith  to  think  of  fubduing  kingdoms  ; nor  are  nr 
they  to  be  fubdued  by  a few  fair  weather  foldiers,  accom-  as 
panied  by  delicate  women  and  children,  educated  in  falh-  I to 
ionable  accomplifiiments.and  accufiomed  to  all  thedelica-  thr 
ciesoflife  j whoareabsolutely  incapable ofexpoling  them-,  : 


ON  MISSIONS. 


*9 

felves  to  fun,  wind,  or  rain,  or  of  exerdfsngthose  dimities 
which  were  once  the  ornament  and  praii'e  of  Ci  listian 
matrons.  I fear,  I tear  greatly,  that  I write  to  the  winds 
and  that  neither  Chriftian  Minifters  nor  their  wives,  have 
piety  enough  for  this  engagement  ; and  that  the  MT- 
fionaries  we  are  able  to  fend  out  wuh  the  equipage, 
they  require  for  their  camp,  will  do  no  more  towards 
fubduing  India  to  the  faith  of  Chrift,  than  a few  effem- 
inate Afiatics,  with  their  Harams.  and  dancing  girls, 
would  do  m an  attempt  to  bring  Great  Britain  under  the 
yoke  of  the  Mogul. 

If  there  were  absolutely  none  to  encourage  the  at* 
tempt,  and  nothing  exifting  at  this  day  in  the  form  of  a 
m'ffion,  the  conduct  of  the  minifters  of  Chrift  would  be 
more  excusable  ; but  it  feems,  as  if  the  providence  of  God 
had  kept  alive  fome  fenfe  of  duty,  and  fome  examples  of 
zeal,  both  among  laity  and  clergy,  to  be  a teftimony  a- 
gainft  us,  and  to  hold  us  up  to  infamy  to  future  genera* 
lions.  What  is  done,  indicates,  that  we  know  our  duty 
and  what  is  left  undone  evinces,  that  we  have  no  inclina- 
tion to  do  it.  We  mmifters  have  no  reason  to  complain 
of  the  laity.  They  are  willing  to  give  us  all  encourage- 
ment ; nay,  they  invite  and  folicit  us  to  engage  ; and 
freely  offer  to  do  all  in  their  power  to  make  us  comfor- 
table ; and  yet  we  refufe  to  flir.  I am  forry  to  fay,  that 
this  reproach  falls  more  immediately  on  mylelf  and 
other gofpel  minifters,  in  the  eftablifhment.  The  Sierra 
Leone  Chaplainfhip  went  a begging  pretty  far  before  it 
fell  into  the  hands  of  my  Colleague  and  myfeif ; and 
now  that  we  have  declined  it,  it  lies  negledted,  as  no 
man  thinks  it  worth  his  while  to  pick  it  up.  For  fome 
years  great  enquiries  were  made  to  procure  an  Affiitant 
mmifter  for  the  Reverend  Mr  Johnfon,  at  Port  Jacklbn, 
and  with  infinite  difficulty,  that  poll  is,  at  laft,  filled  ; 
but  all  the  enquiries  made  among  gofpel  minifters,  for 
three  years  palt,  and,  tvhich  are  ft  ill  making,  alter  an 
aftiitant  for  the  Reverend  Mr.  Brown,  at  Calcutta,  have 


7* 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


hitherto  been  without  effect  Whether  this  does  us  hoa- 
or,  I leave  the  world  co  judge.  I fliall  h wever  contrail 
thefe  Ldh  with  one  from  Mr  Spangenberg,  a.  Moi  avian 
Bithop,  who  informs  us,  that  whtn,  at  Bethlehem  in 
North  -vmerica,  letters  were  read  in  the  Brethren’s 
congregation,  ftatirg,  ’hat  feveral  of  their  miffionaries 
had  been  earned  off  ny  ficknefs  in  the  Jfland  of  St. 
Thomas,  i the  Wed  Indies,  that  very  da)  (ever,  Breth- 
ren offeied  to  go  -and  replace  them. — This  is  juft  what 
things  ought  to  be,  and  any  Church  which  can  proauce 
fuch  men  may  engage  in  Millions- 

That  our  Brethren  of  the  various  denominations  of 
Eng’nlh  LhffeT'ters  have  any  caufe  to  rejoice  over  us  in 
this  refpedt  is  more  than  1 know.  Except  the  Rev.  Mr. 
C«rey  and  a fiiend  who  accompanies  him,  1 am  not  in- 
formed of  any  of  their  minifters  who  are  engaged  in  mif- 
firps.  Would  to  God  they  would  undertake  ft  mething 
in  this  way  tor  Chrift,  which  might  provoke  us  to  jeal- 
ousy ! The  Reverend  Dr.  Coke  has  of  late  years 

done  iomethi.  g in  this  way  in  our  Weft  India  Iflands  ; 
and  might  have  done,  much  more,  had  the  Methodift 
Preachers,  as  a btdy , given  him  that  unequivocal  fupport, 
to  which  his  zeal  it,  fuch  a caufe  fhould  entitle  him  — 
Hitheito  thcleMiffions  may  be  confidered  as  /i/'rmiflions, 
rather  than  thole  of  the  Methodifts  I am,  howover, 
happy  to  be  informed  that  his  Brethren,  begyn  to  enter 
more  heuit’ly  into  the  lpiritof  Millions,  and  1 flatter  my* 
felf  they  will  now  embark  in  them,  with  all  their 
f<  ui,  and  all  their  ftrength.  But,  whether  they  doit  or 
not,  it  is  infinitely  to  be  defired  that  it  DiouM  be  done  by 
lbme  of  us  ; for  however  we  may  fuppofe  ourfelves  en- 
ti  ed  to  reprove  each  other  about  modes  ot  faith  and 
foi  m,  of  worlhip,  upon  this ! uftnefs,  I know  not  who  may 
throw  the.  hrlt  Itone.  And  if  I take  the  liberty  of  fpeak- 
ing  f fieely,  1 apy  eal  to  God,  it  is  not  because  I fuppofe 
m;ielf  en:uled  to  reprove  others  lrom  any  merit  of  rny 
own  ; but  uccause  i ingenuouily  conlefs  my  .in,  and  am 


ON  MISSIONS.  71 

willing  to  come  in  for  a full  flir.re  of  our  common 
lhame. 

Our  conduct  in  refpedt  of  Millions,  evinces  beyond 
every  thing  t!  e low  degraded  Hate  of  the  ChriMian 
nvmftry,  and  th  ideaswhichtoogencr.  il)  prevail  about 
it  threaten  to  degrade  it  itiil  lower.  An  impm  per  at'ac  h- 
xncnt  to  lecular  imereds  and  honors, exerts  too  muchofits 
baleful  influence  over  thofe  whofe  principles  teach  them 
better  things  ; but  what  conlequences  may  not  be  ex- 
pected to  flow  from  the  love  of  money,  and  the 
Jove  of  praife,  when  men  of  the  firft  character  at  d 
influence  in  the  church  avow  them,  as  allowable 
motives  of  miniQerial  conduct.  NevertheUA,  we 
h ve  uved  to  hear  them  fo  avowed,  and  to  the  ihame  of 
human  nature,  but  to  the  exemplification  of  the  lcrip- 
ture  declaration,  that  by  wifdom  men  knew  not  God, 
lo  ear  toem  avowed  from  the  admirable  pen  of  Arck- 
i)'  ac  >n  Palsy.  Alter  adducing  other  re-:fons  to  fnew 
that  a diflinction  of  orders  in  the  minillry.  is  mcil  con- 
ducive to  the  general  ends  of  its  inftitution  he  cone  n es 
as  follow — “ And  laftly,  that  the  fame  fund  pro  i uces 

more  i ff- «ft  both  as  an  allurement  to  men  of  talents  ;o 
enter  into  the  Church,  and  as  a fbmulus  to  the  industry 
ot  those  who  arealieady  in  it  w!  cn  dihributed  into  p izes 
of  different  value,  than  when  cividei  into  qu.il  fliares.” 
— P.ilcj’s  Moral  Phiioftiphy , vo).  2.  [).  22). 

God  of  heaven  and  eajrh,  wh  it  a flab  is  this  to  the 
vitals  of  thy  religion!  1 appeal  to  every  godly  man  in 
Lng'and,  Whether  all  the  t.l  nte,  all  the  learning,  .1  r d 
al  • .:e  virtues  of  a P ev.  can  fhielci  the  man  win  avetvs 
tin  fe  lentiment'  fr-  m It  s contempt  ? And  yet  this  i-  he 
nam  who  teaches  u.-  morals — woo  it.  rudhs  our  young 
nn  !f»rs — whole  b«'ok  is  hon-  ured  a.  - op  1:  a 

oui  Unive du  es  ! But  who  th  it  ada  pts  licfe  font. merits 
w li  engage  in  m ffi.  11s  ? Ala,  the  al.ut.-m. 
ulus,  the  prizes,  Mr.  Paley  ta  k o',  may  in- u- ; me  ' to 
cu-tiva;  li  11  tale,  t-  v h as  n u h cate  as  He  has  dci  e, 
ana  to  write  as  well  as  ht  has  wntitn  ; and  thev  nuv, 
G 


72 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


perhaps,  draw  from  our  ecclefiaftical  lottery,  as  rich  a 
prize  as  he  has  drawn;  but  as  foon  may  the  carrion  crow 
beget  a dove,  as  they  will  induce  him  to  conduct  him- 
felf  in  a miniftry  asbecometh  the  gofpel  of  Chrifl. 

I'hus  it  ic  that  we  are  not  afhamed  to  drive  infolent 
bai  gains  w;th  the  Son  of  God,  and  tell  him  we  will 
ftoop  to  r- flume  the  contemptib’e  charatfer  of  his  ambafll 
aders,  if  he  will  hold  out  to  us  rich  and  honorable  prizes 
to  allure  men  of  our  talents  into  the  Church,  and  to  Itim- 
uiate  our  indullry  when  we  are  in  it.  1'ruth,  virtue,  re- 
liu'ion,  God  and  heavenly  glory,  are  no  allurements,  no 
lLroulus,  to  our  afpiring  minds,  until  they  receive  the 
c irency  of  this  world,  by  being  attached  to  the  f ohcap 
cf  um  n honor,  or  to  that  pernicious  metal,  which  can 
transform  the  ^pottles  of  Satan  into  the  ministers  of 
Chrift  Others  of  us  appear  afhamed  of  thtfe  fimonical 
pivdtices,  and  fay, “Lord  1 will  followthee  whitherfoever 
*’  th  >u  goeh  ;only  fnew  me  a little  more  indulgence  than 
“ thou  haf  flie wed  to  thyfelf.  Excuse  me  from  watch- 
“ >ng  and  agonizing  with  thee  in  Gethfemane  I will 
“ take  up  my  crofs  ; I only  deprecate  the  being  crucified 
“ upon  it.  i am  willing  tofo’fake  much  ; but  compaf- 
“ fionate  my  weaknefs,  and  do  not  command  sne  to  fell 
“ all.  1 will  follow  thee  any  where  on  land  ; but  O fpare 
‘‘ me  the  horrors  of  a voyage  by  fea.  I will  preach 
“ for  thee  amongft  the  pooreft  of  my  own  na- 
“ tion  ; but  do  not  lend  me  to  a flrange  countty. 
“ i acknowftedge  I am  a miferable  finner,  unworthy  to 
“ be  a door  keeper  in  thyhoufc,  neverthelefs,my  elocution 
“ is  popular,  I am  much  followed  and  applauded  ; AV ill 
“ it  not  be  more  for  thy  glory  for  me  to  flay  at  home, 
“ while  any  man  of  inferior  talents  may  go  and  preach 
“ to  the  Heathen  ? I have  heard  that  the)  offer  human 
“ la.  rifices  in  Otaneite,  eat  men  in  New  Zealand,  are 
“ abfolutely  Drutilh  at  Port  Jackfon  and  that  the  fcorch- 
“ ing  fun  and  heavy  rains  in  Africa  are  inevitably  fatal. 
“ O ict  the  hfe  of  thy  fervant  he  precious  in  thy  fi  ht ! 
“ Sena  me  not  to  unumeabie  barbarians,  or  to  a clime 


ON  MISSIONS. 


73 


“ where  I cannot  be  certain  of  my  life  for  a dty.  Be- 
“ (ides  the  difficulties  of  thefe  undertakings  aremfuper- 
“ able.  It  is  probable  I mult  cultivate  the  ground 
“ for  my  maintenance,  and  I have  been  brought  up  del* 
“ Lately  from  a child.  Thy  Apoltles  who  were  poor 
“ filhermen,  and  never  poffdfed  my  extenfive  learning, 
“ elegant  manners,  and  genteel  notions,  were  wellfuited 
“ to  this  rough  work  ; yet  even  they  preached  to  a civ- 
“ ilized  people  and  being  furnilhed  with  miraculous 
“ powers,  their  labours  were  the  more  productive  ; but 
“ what  Avail  I do  who  have  not  their  advantages,  and 
“ have  my  mind  fo  vitiated  by  falfe  learning,  that  I can- 
“ not  (loop  to  the  fimplicity  of  the  gofpel  ? Certai  iiy 
“ to  engage  in  miffions  is  to  plough  on  a rock,  or  to 
“ build  on  the  wave.  O let  me  be  any  thing  but  a mif- 
“ fionary,  for  my  foul  (inks  within  me  at  the  mention 
* of  it,  nor  can  l derive  any  confiderations  from  earth, 
“ heaven,  or  hell  to  make  me  willing  to  die  for  thy 
“ fake.  I am  not  lingular  in  my  opinion  of  miffions, 
“ for  we  are  all  agreed  clergy  and  laity,  churchmen  and 
“ diffenters,  Indian  directors  and  parliament  men,  with 
“ few  exceptions,  that  they  are  impraClicab’e  ; and  that 
“ if  they  were  not,  yet  “ m'ffionaries  would  be  a difgrace 
“ to  any  nation  that  we  have  no  right  to  interfere  in 
“ the  changing  the  religion  of  a foreign  country.  They 
“ would  certainly  deftroy  the  Slave  Trade  in  Africa  ; 
<c  and  fome  well  informed,  refpe&able  Directors  of  the 
“ India  Company,  are  of  opinion  that  they  would  “ fub- 
“ vert  the  Britifli  Empire  inlndoftan,”  which,  they  think 
“ of  far  greater  confequence  than  the  eftablifliment  of 
“ thy  defpifed  kingdom.  A few  wretched  Pariars  might 
“ indeed  be  converted,  or  rather  made  hypocrites  by 
“ Chriftian  charity  ; but  there  is  nothing  in  Thee,  or 
“ thy  gofpel,  to  influence  Chiefs  of  the  noble  Calls  (whofe 
“ fouls  are  certainly  more  valuable  than  thofe  of  the  vile 
“ Pariars  as  is  a thoufand  to  one)  to  forfake  the  religion 
“ of  their  anceftors.  Good  Lord,  what  is  to  be  done 
“ where  every  thing  thus  makes  againll  us  ? O defift 


7+ 


HORNE’S  LETTERS 


“ from  thy  purpcfe  ! Thou  art  the  Saviour  of  all  men, 
“ and  God  is  a merciful  Father  to  them  all ; if  it  pleafe 
“ thee,  thou  canft  favr  the  Heathen  without  the  gol'pel, 
“ and,  if  not,  thy  ivi/l  be  done.  Neverthelefs  Lord,  if  thou 
“ wilt  force  us  to  cultivate  this  unpiomifing  field,  do 
“ not  think  offending  rrwirionaries  out  immediately,  but 
“let  lay  fchool- mailers  go  to  receive  the  firtl  fire,  and 
“ teach  the  little  children  reading  and  writing  ; ar.d 
“ then  will  we  go,  and  enter  into  their  labors  : for  the 
“ experience  of  ages  has  taught  us,  that  where  the  preach- 
“ ing  of  the  gofpel  makes  one  Chrillian,  education  makes 
“ ten.  lienee  inftead  of  preaching  firth  to  the  parents, 
“ and  then  eflablilhing  fchools,  for  the  education  of  the 
“children,  as  the  \p.rftles  did  (who  knew  that  the 
“ lv/ord  of  the  fpirit  was  of  heavenly  temper--an  inftru- 
“ ment  into  which  the  God  of  G:ory  had  wrought  all  his 
“ attri!  utes,  we,  having  loft  the  art  ot  uling  it,  and  that 
“ vigorous  arm  which  give^  it  the  demonflraiion  of  the 
“ f.  irit  and  of  power)  we  go  to  work  another  way,  by 
“ educating  chifdren  fir/1;  and  many  are  of  opinion,  that 
“ the  beft  way  of  enlightening  the  Heathen  is  by  putting 
“ the  moon  in  the  fun’s  fphere,  and  having  children  to  in- 
“ ftrudt  their  parents,  rather  than  parents  to  teach  their 
“ children.  — If  Loid  thou  wilt  ferioufly  weigh  all  thefe 
“ things,  we  flatter  ourfelves  thou  wilt  be  of  our  way  of 
“ thinking.” 

Wild,  ludicrous,  and  even  blafphemous,  as  tn:s  folil- 
oquy  may  be,  I am  perfuaded,  it  does  not  cc  n»a  n a 
fentiir.eat,  which  is  not  the  genuine  effu  mnof  the  hu- 
man heart.  I have  traced  fome  of  them  in  my  own 
heait,  and  1 have  detected  others,  in  the  language  which 
has  been  frequently  held  to  me  on  m.flions.  I have 
only  thrown  them  together,  given  them  a tongue  and  ut- 
terance, and  exp  fed  them  without  difguife  as  they  walk 
befor  e God,  wno  fearches  the  heart-  If  minifters  and 
Christians  will  not  recognize  what  exi  Is  in  their  hearts, 
ana  fives  in  their  lives,  I have  at  lead  done  my  duty  in 
Rating  it  before  them.  It  they  fee  themfelves  in  the 


ON  MISSIONS. 


75 


glafs  I hold  up.  I trud,  with  God’s  blefling,  it 
may  produce  falutary  effe&s,  call  them  into  adtion, 
and  enable  them  to  ftop  the  mouth  of  malevolent  re- 
proach ; that  it  may  no  longer  be  faid  the  minifters  of 
Chrid  are,  as  they  have  been,  for  centuries,  with  com- 
paratively few  exceptions  the  mod  degenerate , the  mod 
inconjijlent,  and  mod  daftardly  race  of  men  who  ever  exid- 
ed  on  earth. 

Ought  not  wc  to  have  compadion  on  our  brethren, 
even  as  God  hath  compadion  on  us  ? Have  we  looked 
into  the  heait  of  Jesus  Chrid,  and  is  it  thus  we  read 
it  ? Do  we  dwell  in-  God,  and  God  in  us,  and  can  we 
continue  thus  cold  and  obdurate,  amidd  the  everlading 
burnings  of  his  love  ? O let  us  prove  our  faith  by  our 
works,  and  fliew  men  who  midake  our  dodtrine,  that 
in  preaching  judification  by  faith,  we  do  not  fet  afide, 
but  edablilh  the  moral  law  ! By  the  fongs  of  angels, 
who  proclaimed  peaceand  loveat  our  Redeemer’s  birth  : 
by  the  folemn  injundtioirof  Him  who  faid,  “ Ye  are  my 
friends,  if  yekeepmy  commandments  by  the  glorious 
Pentecod,  when  every  language  pratfed  God  ; by  the 
multitudes  who  have  waflied  their  robes  in  the  blood  of 
the  Lamb  ; by  the  ads  of  die  Apodles  and  the  fud’er- 
ings  of  the  martyrs  ; by  the  expiring  pangs  of  Jefus, 
and  by  those  fins  of  ours  which  bruifed  him,  and  put 
him  to  grief ; by  their  rerriidion,  if  we  have  indeed  tad- 
ed  that  the  Lord  is  gracious  ; by  the  feaiful  end  of  that 
fervant  who  buried  his  Lord’s  talent  ; by  the  curfes 
and  execrations  which  red  upon  the  Cnridian  name  ; 
by  the  riveis  of  Heathen  blood  which  Chriftians  have 
died,  and  which  call  for  expiation  at  our  hands  ; if 
there  be  any  confolation  in  Chrid,  if  any  comfort  of 
love,  if  any  fellowfiiip  of  the  fpirit,  if  any  bowels  and 
mercies,”  I befeech  you  honored  and  beloved  Brethren, 
have  mercy  on  the  Heathen,  and  fo  fulfil  the  joy  of 
your  Lord. 

And  now,  Brethren,  I throw  myfelf  at  your  feet ; 
and  ask  pardon  for  every  r.dh  and  wounding  expreffi  >n 
G 2 


76  HORNE’S  LETTERS  ON  MISSIONS. 


which  may  have  fallenfrom  my  pen.  Confcious  inferiority 
bows  me  down,  and  nothing  but  a fenfe  of  duty  ard  the 
love  of  truth  could  have  eredted  my  mind  to  write  with 
the  freedom  l have  done,  and  to  admonifli  thus  loudly 
the  minifters  of  Chrift,  the  lead  of  whom  I confider  as 
my  fuperior.  If  I have  offended,  I befeech  you  to  forgive 
me,  even  as  God  for  Chrift’s  fake  forgiveth  you.  If  I 
have,  in  any  refpedt,  overftepped  the  fobernefs  of  truth, 
or  violated  the  meeknefs  of  wifd 'm,  I rruft  i (hall  iind 
mercy  of  the  Lord,  as  having  done  it  ignorantly,  from 
a fincere  defire  to  promote  his  glory,  the  interefts  of  his 
religion,  the  happinefs  of  his  people,  the  falvation  of  the 
Heathen,  and  the  honor  and  dignity  of  his  minillering 
fervants-  I once  more  fubmit  to  your  candid  attention, 
as  well  as  to  your  judicious  correction,  the  contents  of 
thd'e  pages.  I promife  ferioufly  to  review  my  own 
obligations  to  act  in  the  way  I recommend  to  you  ; 
and  I flatter  rnyfdf,  that  fome  one  will  tike  up  the 
fubjedt  where  I have  laid  it  down,  and  do  it  that  juftice, 
which  it  cannot  receive  from  my  hands. 

I have  the  honour  to  fubfcribe  myfelf,  with  cordial 
efleem, 

Fathers  and  Brethren, 

Your  fellow  fervant  in  the  patience  and  tribulation 
of  Jefus, 


M.  H. 


PROTESTANT  MISSIONS. 


77 


On  the  Efforts  of  Protejiant  Miffionaries  in  the 
left  Century. 

FROM  the  time  of  the  reformation,  to  the  eighteenth 
century,  the  efforts  of  Miffionary  zeal  were  few  and  fee- 
ble. More  attentive  to  preserve  themselves  and  their 
flocks  from  the  afsaults  and  seductions  of  Popery,  than  to 
extend  their  labours  to  the  unknown  heathen,  with  all 
the  difficulties  of  accefs  and  expenfe  neceff  . ily  attendant 
on  fuch  an  undertaking,  the  service  languifhed,  and  at 
the  various  establifhments  which  the  Protedants  formed 
in  the  Eaft  and  Africa,  their  chaplains  attended  only  on. 
the  garrifons,  or  ferved  the  few,  very  few  churches  erect- 
ed by  the  government. 

The  Danes  feem  to  have  {hewn  the  mnft  attention  to 
M'ffionary  attempts,  and  in  Greenland  and  at  Tran- 
quebar,  in  the  Eaft  Indies,  a few  labourers  ttrugg.ed 
to  difpel  the  thick  darknefs  of  heathenism  ; as  the 
Eng’ith,  growing  in  profperity  and  Eaitern  ac- 
quifitions,  enlarged  their  borders  on  the  coaft  of 
Coromandel,  a fociety,  which  had  been  long  formed  for 
the  propagation  of  the  Gofpel,  adopted  the  D.tnifli 
Miffionaries  at  Tranqnebar,  and  with  the  addition  of  a 
ft  w excellent  Germans,  a succefsful  Miffion  was  carried 
on  in  the  lower  part  of  the  Carnatic  ; chiefly  under  the 
care  of  the  Danilh  Miffionaries,  and  latterly  by  the  zeal- 
ous efforts  of  Mr  Swartz  (now  gone  to  his  reward)  Mr. 
Jaemcke  and  Mr.  Ge'rirke  ; who  seem  truly  devote  i to 
their  w rk,  and  bleffed  in  their  labours  ~ut  lament  much 
the  ■ fffictive  reouctionof  their  num  e by  eathand  the 
Want  of  labourers  where  the  harveit  might  yet  be  plen- 
teous. 

The  next  confiderab’e  eff  rt  may  be  juftly  aferi- 
bed  o a man,  of  whom  the  world  ha-  heard  the  butereft 
abuse.  Count  Zinzendoiff,  after  kinolv  harbouring  at 
Btthelfd.>rff  the  poor  exiles  from  Moravia,  became 
their  ulh  p and  ordinary  ; a. id  diredting  their  attention 
to  thole  whom  no  man  had  cared  ior,  the- heathen  in  gen- 


PROTESTANT  MISSIONS. 


7« 

eral,  and  the  Haves  in  the  Caribbee  iflands  ; he  fent  forth, 
in  a great  variety  of  directions,  fome  fimple-hearted  and 
plain  followers  of  the  Lamb  of  God,  to  teftify  of  the 
efficacy  of  his  blood,  determining  to  know  nothing  but 
Jefus  Cbrift,  and  him  crucified.  We  cannot  enter  into 
the  detail  of  their  zealous  labours,  fuccefiful  or  unfucceff- 
ful  for  many  of  them  have  failed  where  they  de- 
fended the  greateft  praise  for  their  zeal  and  fidelity 
but  the  accounts  which  they  have  pu'olifhed  of  the  (fate 
of  their  Millions,  manifeft  the  molt  patient  peifeverance, 
and  afford  the  pleafing  profpeCf  that  they  will  have 
many  of  the  heathen  as  ftars  in  their  crown  of  rejoicing  in 
the  day  of  the  Lord 

Soon  after  the  Moravians  revived  in  Germany,  the 
Methodifts  rofe  up  in  England,  and,  among  other  inffan- 
ces  of  their  zeal  for  Chrift  and  his  caufe,  Meffrs  John 
and  Charles  Wesley  embarked  lor  Georgia,  in  North 
America,  and  commenced  those  labours  which  their 
iuccelsors  have  purfued,  with  unremitting  zeal,  to  this 
dav  ; in  the  converfion,  we  hope,  of  many  thousands 
among  the  Negroes  in  the  plantations,  and  other  heathen 
on  the  continent 

Some  efforts  were  made  among  the  Laplanders  by  the 
Swedes.  The  North  Americans  have  made  some  at- 
tempts to  evangelize  the  Indian  nations  in  their  vicinity, 
where  the  labours  of  a Brainerdand  an  Elliot  deferve  to 
be  had  in  everlafting  rememberance.  The  Dutch,  amid 
all  their  commercial  enterpiizes,  have  not  forgotten  the 
Gofpel,  and  in  all  places  of  their  dominion,  at  the  Cape, 
Ceylon,  and  the  Moluccas,  have  brought  many  of  the 
Inhabitants  to  the  proftffi  m,  at  lead,  of  Christianity. 
Among  later  efforts, we  would  notice, with  cordial  appro- 
bation, thofe  of  the  Enghlh  Bapiiffs  ; who  llirred  up  by 
O’  e of  their  zealous  brethren,  (n->«  a M ffionarv)  com- 
menced their  career  in  India,  and  have  exhibited  degrees 
of  zeal  and  perfeverance  highly  d efer  ving  of  approbation. 
Some  fmall  beginnings,  after  ' ears  of  patient  waiting, 
give  promihng  hope  that  their  labour  will  not  be  in  vain 


BAPTIST  MISSION. 


79 


in  the  Lord,  especially  as  their  converts  haverelinquifh- 
ed  the  call,  which  was  confidered  by  nuny  as  an  infu- 
perable  obdac'e  to  th?  introduction  of  Christianity  Their 
tranflition  of  the  Scriptures  into  the  Bengalee  language, 
now  happily  accomplifhed  and  publilhed,  claims  the  ad- 
miration and  praile  of  every  true  Chrillian.  May 
that  word  have  free  course  and  be  glorified  abundant- 

h '■ 

[Miss.  Trans.  Introduc.  vol.  i.  p.  7.] 


Particular  Bapti/l  Society  in  England  for  propa- 
gating the  Gofpel  among  the  Heathen. 

Me  firs.  Carey  Sc  T homas,  are  at  prefent[  1 795  ]in  the 
Eaft  Indies,  as  mdlionaries  from  77*  Particular Baptifi  So- 
ciety inEng/and , for  propagating  theGofpel among  tie  Heathen. 
This  Society  was  formed  by  the  Particular, ox  Calvinillic 
Baptifts,  in  the  vear  179*.  Soon  afterward,  they  became 
acquainted  with  Mr  l homas,  a member  of  their  own 
connection,  who,  having  been  in  Bengal,  a furgeon  of  the 
Oxford  Indiiman,  in  two  voyages,  in  1783  and  1786, 
had,  at  both  times,  endeavoured  to  fpread  the  knowledge 
of  the  gofpel  among  the  natives.  His  endeavours  were 
attended  with  fome  fuccefs  ; and  he  was  encouraged  to 
remain  among  them  five  years  and  a half.  He  then  re- 
turned to  England,  with  the  view  of  promoting  a mdfion 
more  extenfively  ufeful  than  he  could  himfelf  cairyon. 
Mr.  Carey,  a Baptiil  Mini  ter,  then  at  Leice  ter,  who 
had  written  an  “ Inquiry  into  the  Obligations  of  Chrift- 
“ ians  to  ufe  means  for  the  Converlion  of  the  Heathen,” 
exprefled  an  inclination  to  accompany  Mr.  Thomas  on 
a million  to  Bengal.  After  being  folemnly  fet  apait  to 
thi»  fervice,  they  fet  fail  from  Dover,  June  1 3,  1793,  an^ 
arrived  at  Calcutta  on  the  1 ith  of  November  that  fame 
year.  They  entered  directly  on  their  labours,  vilited  those 


So 


EXTRACT  FROM 


who  had  been  converted  by  the  minidry  of  Mr.  Thomas, 
and  began  to  tranllate  the  fcripture  into  the  language  of 
the  country. 

[Theo.  Mag.  vol.  ii.  p.  215.] 


Extract  from  Mr.  Thomas'  Diary , 

Auguji  1 9,  1790. 

‘Endeavour  to  recoiled  a little  of  Farbotee’s  unequalled 
* prayer.’ 

Expressions  in  Parbotee’s  Prayer. 

**  T performed  the  rights  of  the  Ganges  ; I called  this 
0 good — I worfh  pped  wood,  Sc  (lone  ; 1 called  /^/sgood: 

“ 1 heard  the  ihaiters  of  men,  that  are  all  falfe  and  vain  ; 

“ I called  this  good — Lord,  I am  a mod  wretched  crea-  1 
“ ture  to  this  day  ; I know  nothing — nothing  ! I have 
“ fpent  all  my  days  in  wickednefs,  and  have  not  obtain- 
“ ed  the  lead  knowledge  of  God.  O put  far  from  me  thefe 
“ evil  things  ! O make  them  depart  far  from  me.  I 
“have  hearkened  now  to  thy  word.  I will  hear  them 
“ no  more — 1 will  not  the  lead  regard  the  idols  of  wood 
“ and  done  any  more  !—  Vanity  : lies.  Lord.  I will  1 
“ hear  no  more  at  all  these  lhaders  of  the  Hindoos  ; 1 

“ they  are  all  falfe  and  vain.  Wretched  finner  ! Save 
“ me  ! O fave — lave,  fave  me.  Give — give — O give 
“ — Give,  O Lord  ! Give  me  to  know — Hell  ! what  ? 

“ — Heaven  ! what  ? — Without  the  blood  of  Chrid  I 
“ (hall  never  be  laved-  Without  the  flelh  of  Chrid  I 
“ lhall  never  live, — Lord,  what  is  the  meaning  of  this  ? 

“ I know  not  what  it  is — how  can  I get  the  blood  of 
“ Chrid? — 0 teach  me,  I will  do  any  thing  thou  fay’d 
“ — Cad  ! what  ? — Home  ! what  ? — Friends  ! what  ? 

“ —Life  ! what  ? — What  is  any  thing  ? all  is  noth- 


MR.  THOMAS’  DIARY. 


8 1 


“ ing  but  thee.  I want  no  money,  I want  nothing  but 
“ thee.  O what  a wretched  fi  ner  am  I ! O tell  me 
“ thy  way  ! O tell  me  bv  Munjhee  ; tell  me  by  xhtSahaib. 
“ We  are  going  to  Calcutta — Many,  wicked  things  are 
“ there.  O keep  us  ali  while  we  (lay  there. 

“ O that  I had  bur  love  ! O that  I Lad  but  faith  ! 
“ — O that  I had  forgivenefs  ! O that  I had  but  thofe 
“ things  which  thy  people  have  Like  them—  O give 
me  like  them  O Lord,  how  many  evil  things  are  in 
“ my  mind  every  day  ! I am  a wicked  blnfphemous 
“ wretch  ! I have  fhame  in  me — Wicked  fhame  before 
“ the  people,  and  wicked  feai  of  men  ; — Far,  O far 
“ away  from  me,  put  far  away  my  fins.  Forgive  me  ; 
“ and  reach  me  what  I ftia.ll  do.  I v,  ill  do  any  thing. 

O that  I did  but  know  what  to  dr  : O give — give— 
f‘  give — Lord,  what  (hall,  what  can  1 do  ?” 

‘ Here  he  burft  into  a flood  of  tears,  with  now  and  then 

* fuch  fervent  cries,  as  f never  before  heard  : he  contin- 
‘ ued  in  pray-  r about  half  an  hour.  I read  and  explain- 

* ed  the  faithful  promii'es  of  God  to  fupply  the  poor  and 

* needy, and  to  fatisfy  the  thirflv  foul  w ith  living  waters  ; 
4 fpeke  of  the  mind,  and  the  inner  man,  dehghting 
4 in  God  mamfefted  ir  th  fiefh,  and  crucified  foi  fir.  ; 
4 that  this  was  eating  the  fl  fh  and  drinking  the  blood  of 
4 thrift.  After  conducing, hereturned  to  his  boat, and, 
4 a the  Munfhee  tells  me,  wept  there  ever  his  own  fin- 
4 fainefs,  a long  time.’ 

[Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  i.  p.  243 


32 


MR.  CAREY  TO  THE  CHURCH 


Mr.  Carey  to  tbt  Church  at  Leicefler , lately  under 
bis  Pajloral  Care. 

Bandell,  Dec  25.  1793. 

My  VERY  DEAR  FRIENDS, 

LONG  before  this  time  I expe&ed  to  have  fent  you 
an  account  of  my  velfare  ana  oi  the  dealings  of  God 
with  nu;  but  having  been  prevented  till  now,  I embrace 
the  prefent  opportunity  with  pleafure,  and  referring  you 

to  Mr.  Y lor  an  account  of  nay  voyage  and  all  the 

incidents  relating  to  i:,  1 (hall,  principally  addiefs  my- 
fe’t  to  jou  (as  to  thole  '..hie  eternal  welfare  I have  much 
at  heart)  refpefting  the  things  of  God.  Often  do  1 re- 
ci.lkct  with  a mixute  of  pieafure  and  pain,  the  fweet 
communion  which  l have  enjoyed  with  you. — To  you. 
1 delighted  not  onlv  to  communicate  the  gofpel  of 
Clnilt,  but  my  own  foul  aifo,  bec.uife  you  were  dear 
unto  me;  and  particularly  lhail  I always  remember  the 
memorable  time  • f my  patting  fr  m you — that  was 
indeed  th;  trial  ot  love  ; but  the  great  undert  king 
in  which  1 am  engaged  preponderated,  and  ftiil  weighs, 
down  in  my  mind  every  other  confideration. 

I have  c.rtainiy  l ll  much  focial  p'eaiure  fince  I came 
hither,  as  I ca’  not  preach  yet.  except  to  my  own  f m- 
iiy,  not  b mg  (nfh  iently  a qu..inted  with  the  langu  ge  ; 
nor  have  1 at  prefent  more  than  one  chnilim  friend  to 
whom  I can  open  my  mind,  betide  my  colleague  Mr. 
Thomas  - I am  (unrounded  by  heathen — ali  places  in 
the  country  are  full  of  monuments  of  idolatry,  and  every 
m ruing  great  numbers  of  people  m-y  be  feen  at  the  r.v- 
ei  tide  paying  them  devotion  to  th  ‘water,  which  they 
take  up  in  handluis  and  prav  to  ii  the  moil  fervent  n. .in- 
ner. Temples  to  Seth,  Bijhno,  an..  Brimha  are  every 
where  to  be  feen  ; and  flowers  conf. crated  to  facred  nr‘- 
p.  fes,  are  prel'erved  gro  ing  in  rhe  Itrcets  of  the  m il 
populous  places.  Burning  ‘women  with  their  liuloanus, 


AT  LEICESTER. 


83 


is  a pra&ice  too  frequent : We  were  at  Nuddea  (an  em- 
inent place  for  learning)  lail  Lord's  day,  and  were  infor- 
med that  aoout  a month  ago  two  women  devoted  them 
felves  in  this  manner  The  practice  of  fwinging  by  the 
back  is  veiry  common,  I have  ften  the  fears  arifing 
from  it  in  the  backs  of  many  perfons,  and  a perfon  now 
lives  in  the  fame  houfe  with  me  who  carries  them  in  his 
flelh. — Notwithllanding  all  this  they  are  a very  atten- 
tive and  inquifitive  people,  and  very  kind  and 
friendly  ; nor  do  I perceive  any  thing  unfriendly  in 
the  conduit  of  the  Mahometans. 

I feel  happy  in  being  here  and  begin  to  know  a little 
of  the  language.  We  have  been  here  almoft  a month, 
and  have  hitherto  lived  with  Europeans  at  a Portuguefe 
fettlement,  and  the  people  are  papifts  ; but  next  week 
we  go  entirely  to  live  among  the  natives.  At  Nuddea , 
the  Bramins  and  Pundits  are  very  defirous  that  we 
fhould  come  and  preach  the  gofpel.  Nuddea  is  a very 
large  town,  containing  about  3000  families,  800  of 
whom  are  Bramins.  Could  we  tucceed  here,  the  prej- 
udices of  almoll  ail  the  pc  pie  in  India  woutd  ceaie,  as 
it  is  the  place  which  greatly  rules  religion  all  over  the 
country. — The  work  is  God’s, — his  promile  is  on  our 
fide,  and  in  his  ftrength  we  go  forth. 

Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  i.  p.  54. 

H 


84  MR.  CAREY  TO  THE  SOCIETY. 


Dehart  a,  Feb.  1 5,  1794. 

I HAVE  taken  a few  acres  cf  land  at  Hathnabad  near 
this  place,  wh;cb  is  about  4o  miles  Eaft  of  Calcutta , 
upon  theriver  yubana.  An  Engiifh  gentleman,  to  whom 
we  wtre  all  entirely  unknown,  has  generously  Invited  us 
all  to  flay  in  his  house  till  we  have  erected  one  of  our 
o*n.  This  l am  now  engaged  in  ; the  walls  will  be 
made  of  mats  faflened  to  wooden  polls,  and  the  roof 
formed  of  bamboos,  and  thatched.  The  neighbouring 
inhabitants  yield  me  a little  affiftance  in  the  work,  and  4 
or  5'c  families  intend  to  come  and  refide  in  our  neigh- 
bourhood. This  is  occafioned  by  Meonjhce’s reprefenting 
me  to  them  in  favourable  light.  Although  the  country 
is  an  excellent  foil,  it  has  been  lately  almofl  deferted  on 
account  of  the  tygers,  and  other  beafts  of  prey  which 
ir.fcit  the  place  ; but  these  are  all  afraid  of  a gun, 
and  will  loon  be  expelled  ; the  people  therefore  are  not 
afraid  when  an  European  is  nigh.  We  fhall  have  all 
the  neceffiries  of  life  except  bread,  for  which  rice  mud  be 
a fubflitute.  Wild  hogs,  deer,  and  fowls  are  to  be  pro- 
cured by  the  gun,  and  muft  fupply  us  with  a confidera- 
ble  part  of  our  food.  1 find  an  inconvenience  in  hav- 
ing fo  much  of  my  time  neceffarily  taken  up  in  procur- 
ing provifions,  and  cultivating  my  little  farm  : But  when 
rr.y  houfe  is  built,  1 fhall  have  more  leisure  than  at  pre- 
fer t.  and  have  daily  opportunities  of  converfing  with  the 
natives,  and  purfuing  the  work  of  the  miffior..  Here  is 
certainly  a large  field  for  ufefulnefs  ; much  larger  than 
you  car,  conceive,  both  among  the  Hindoos  and  MufTul- 
men  : They  are  very  numerous,  very  ir.quifitive,  and 
very  attentive  to  the  gofpel.  When  I can  fo  far  know 
the  language  as  to  preach  in  it,  I have  no  doubt 
of  having  a Hated  congregation,  and  1 much 
hope  to  fend  you  plealing  accounts.  I can  fo 
far  converse  in  the  language,  as  to  be  under  flood  in 
most  things  belonging  to  eating  and  drinking,  buying 
and  felling,  &c.  and  my  ear  is  fomewhat  familiarized  to 


MR.  CAREY  TO  THE  SOCIET  Y 


»S 

the  Bengalee  founds.  It  is  a language  of  a very  fmg- 
ular  ccnilru&ion,  having  no  plurai  except  to  p-ononm, 
and  not  a fingle  prepofition  in  it ; but  the  c.iles 
of  nouns  and  pronouns  are  alnvnl  endlefs,  all  the  w >r 's 
anfwering  to  our  prepofitions  being  put  after  the  word, 
and  forming  a new  cafe.  Except  thefe  lingulj.rit;ec,  l 
find  it  an  eafy  language. 

I feel  myfelf  happy  in  my  prefent  undertaking  ; lor 
though  I never  felt  the  loss  of  focial  religion  to  much  as 
now,"  yet  a confcioufnefs  of  having  given  up  ail  for  Go  1 
is  a fupport,  and  the  work,  with  ail  its  attendant  incon- 
veniences, is  to  me  a rkh  reve  ;>  .! 

I think  the  fociety  would  do  well  to  keep  their  eve  to- 
wards Africa,  or  AJia : thefe  countries  are  noc  like  the 
•wilds  of  America , where  long  labor  will  fcarce'y  collect 
fixty  people  to  hear  the  word  ; for  here  it  is  aimoft  irn- 
poffible  to  get  out  of  the  way  of  hundreds  ; and  p*-*  ich- 
ers  are  wanted  a thoufand  times  more  than  people  to 
preach  to.  Within  India  are  the  Mahratta  country  an  l 
the  northern  parts  to  Cafe  mire,  without  (as  far  as  1 can 
learn)  one  foul  that  thinks  of  God  aright.* 

I hope  you  will  fend  me  an  account  of  every  thing 
important  in  the  churches,  efpecially  at  Lcicejler.  You 
mutl  not  expect  my  journal  till  next  year ; I regularly 
keep  one,  which  1 intend  then  to  tranfmit. 

Though  I am  furrounded  by  mercies,  yet  for  this 
fortnight  paft  my  life  has  been  rendered  ufelefs  as  to 
fpiritual  things  ; being  for  the  present  wholly  occupied 
in  temporal  concerns  ; and  the  fabbaths  now  are  quite 
difconfolate : On  one  of  thefe  fabbath’s  I am  ieeking 
communion  with  you  ; I feel,  that  a dilance  of  io  or 
i5,ooomi)es,  cannot  prevent  the  communion  of  faints. 
Though  deprived  of  a personal  intercourle  with  my 
European  friends,  I have  at  leaft  one  religious  friend,  and 
that  is  Ra?n  Ram  Bojhoo  : he  has  indeed  much  timidity. 


* See  the  extract  at  the  end  of  this  letter. 


86  MR.  CAREY  TO  THE  SOCIETY. 


hut  is  a man  of  very  good  underftanding,  and  well  in- 
formed ; he  is  alfo  a peifon  of  drift  probity. 

The  part  where  I am  building  my  houfes,  is  within  a 
quarter  of  a mile  of  the  impenetrable  foreft,  called  Sun- 
derbunds  ; and  though  quite  deferted  before,  through 
fear  of  the  tygers,  die  people  are  now  returning,  encour- 
aged by  my  example,  and  we  fhall  foonhave  3 or  4, coo  in 
our  vicinity.  Thefe  people,  and  all  others  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood are  much  pleafed  with  my  coming,  and  two 
or  three  days  ago,  a deputation  of  five  or  fix  Bramins, 
with  a prefent  in  their  hands,  came  to  thank  rne,  or 
rather  to  fay  that  they  were  glad  I was  coming  to 
live  among  them  ; for  they  have  no  fuch  word  as  “ thank 
you”,  nor  any  expreffion  of  thankfulnefs  in  all  their 
language  ! 

With  refpeft  to  personal  fafety  I am  juft  the  fame  here 
as  in  England  ; my  health  was  never  better  ; the  climate 
though  hot,  is  tolerable  ; but  attended  a I am  with 
difficulties,  Iwould  not  renounce  my  undertaking  for  all 
the  world.  I long  to  know  how  all  the  minifters  do  ; 
how  the  miffion  fociety  goes  on  ; whether  the  churches 
flourilh  or  not  and  in  fhort  every  thing  that  occurs. 
Salute  ail  the  brethren  in  my  name,  and  let  every  minift- 
er  and  every  chriftian  with  whom  you  have  the  fmalleft 
connection,  know  that  this  conveys  my  chriftian  affeftion 
to  them.  W.  CAREY. 

[Bap.  Per.  Acc.  i.  73.] 

EXTRACT. 

IN  attempting  to  propagate  Chriftianity,  it  is  of 
great  importance  to  feieft  the  moll  proper  field.  That 
perfons  engaged  in  the  work  may  know  where  it  is,  two 
inquiries  naturally  prefent  themfelves  : Firft,  in  what 
country  will  Miffionaries  find  the  greateft  number  of  pre- 
cious fouls  t©  preach  to  ? And,  fecondly,  Will  the  plant- 
ing of  the  gofpel  among  them  be  likely,  from  dieir  rela- 
tive fituation  and  conneftions,  to  have  a powerful  influ- 


EXTRACT. 


87 


ence  on  other  nations  around  them,  fons  moft  fp  edily 
and  effectually  to  fpread  Chriftianity  over  the  v orld. 
While  piety  fends  millions  to  tribes  and  n gions  det  ched 
from  the  reft  of  mankind,  and  utter'y  unco1  nedted  with 
them  by  focial  intercourfe,  it  is  butjuftice  to  fay,  “ j our 
defign  is  laudible,  and  you  may  do  much  : one  ion]  is  of 
infinite  value.  ” But  we  affign  the  ptize  for  the  ln'gh- 
eft  portion  of  wifdom  to  them  who  feledt  a country  which 
forms  a noble  and  promifing  field  of  itfelf,  and  which, 
befides,  prefents  the  pro<pedt  of  diffufing  the  gofpel  a- 
mong  populous,  extenfive,  and  civilized  nations  which 
furround  it 

The  language  of  Bengalis  fpcken  .over  a v ft  extent 
of  country.  The  preacher  on  the  coaft  of  Af  ca,  in 
America,  in  Greenland,  who  has  learned  the  Ian  ;u  e 
of  the  He  .then,  finds  himfclf  confined  to  a few  hundreds 
or  thoufands  of  miferable  Pagans  ; and  when  he  goes  be- 
yond the  narrow  limits  ofhis  tribe,  or  horde,  is  a bar- 
barian to  the  neighbouring  nations  : but  the  Miffonaiy 
who  has  learned  the  language  ot  Bengal,  will  have  rr,oie 
millions  to  ad  Irefs  than  the  others  can  find  hundreds  or 
thoufands.  Of  what  advantage  this  is  need  not  belaid. 
Wi'h'ut  any  additional  trouble  of  learning  tongues  to 
how  wide  an  extent  may  he  carry  the  giad  tidings  offal- 
Vition  ! And  a tranfl.  tion  ol  the  facred  feriptures  into 
this  tongue,  will  give  milii  ms  an  opportunity  of  p-ruf- 
ing  a book,  which  is  able  to  make  them  wife  unto  falva- 
tion,  through  faith,  which  is  in  Chrift  Jefus. 

if  tne  gclpel  were  once  planted,  and  took  deep  root 
in  that  p ovince,  there  would  he  a pkajing  presjpcci  of  its 
being  propagated  through  every  part  of  Hindrjlar. . That 
immenfe  regi*  n,  it  has  been  (.ompurea,  contains  a hun- 
dred and  t wenty  millions  ol  inh  tbitants.  And  what  ..  f- 
cip.’e  of  J ius  does  not  feel  his  heart  glow  with  .if  -he 
ardour  of  h , y ze  d at  the  glorious  prolpeCt,  and  atui-uf- 
ly  ciefu e tc  fee  the  door  opened  to  every  apa  -nie.  c f 
that  vail  habitation  of  f tils,  and  to  have  evert  ’ c v'trs 
cl  tnat  ample  harveft  /applied  witii  Ub-ura  > ! bhyuld, 
Jrt  2 


sS 


EXTRACT. 


Bengal  ever  be  converted  to  the  faith  of  Chrift,  the  way 
is  plain  and  eafy  to  every  other  province  of  the  empire  ; 
and  if  European  Miflionaries  Ihould  any  where  find  dif- 
ficulty of  accefs,  Mahometan  and  Hindoo  converts  will 
be  able  to  carry  the  gofpel  into  every  part  of  it  without 
any  obftacle,  and  with  every  profpeot  of  fuccefs. 

Benefits  Hill  more  extenfive  may  be  expected  from 
planting  the  gofpel  in  Bengal.  The Jituation  of  that  prov- 
ince, in  refpect  to  the  moji  famous , civilized,  and  populous 
countries  of  the  eajl , merits  particular  attention.  By  call- 
ing the  eye  of  Chriftian  benevolence  on  the  map  of  the 
world,  with  pleafing  furprife,  Bengal  will  be  feen  placed 
in  the  center  of  the  fouthern  part  of  Alia,  and  prefenting 
on  every  fide  the  nobleil  fields  for  millions  which  are  to 
be  found  on  the  face  of  the  earth.  China,  that  world  of 
fouls  in  itfelf,  is  at  no  great  diftance  to  the  eall,  and  an 
entrance  into  it  may  be  more  ealily  obtained  by  Mifiion- 
aries  from  that  quarter,  than  by  the  ufual  channels  of 
commeice.  Thibet  and  Tartary,  on  the  north,  contain 
their  millions.  Beyond  the  ocean,  Perfia  to  the  well, 
calls  for  the  confolation  of  the  gofpel,  to  cheer  them  a- 
midll  the  darknefs  of  Mahometan  delufion;  while  the 
fwarthy  fons  of  Pegu  and  Siam,  inhabiting  large  and 
fertile  countries  on  the  fouth,  invite  the  melfengers  of 
peace  to  come  and  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  life  and 
immortality.  A better  center  of  operations  than  Ben- 
gal, it  is  impofllble  for  the  fpiritual  wa  rior  to  fix  on  for 
extending  the  kingdom  of  Jcfus  Chrift,  and  for  crulhing 
the  ui'urpations  of  Satan  and  of  fin. 

R.efte<ft,  O difciple  of  Jefus  ! on  what  has  been  prefent- 
ed  to  thy  view.  The  caufe  of  Chrift  is  thy  own  c iufe. 
Without  deep  criminality,  thou  canlt  not  be  indifferent 
of  its  fuccefs.  Rejoice  that  fo  delightful  a field  of  mif- 
fions  has  been  difeovered  and  exhibited.  Roufe  thyfelf 
from  the  {lumbers  of  fpiritual  langour.  Exert  thyfelf  to 
the  utmoll  of  thy  power  ; and  let  confidence  be  able  to 
teftify,  without  a doubt,  even  at  the  tribunal  of  Jefu$ 


MR.  CAREY  TO  THE  SOCIETY.  89 

Ghrift,  if  Mifionaries  are  not  fpeedily  fent  to  preach  the  glo- 
rious gofpel  in  Bengal,  itjhall  not  be  owing  to  me. 

Theo.  Mag.  vol.  ii.  p.  451. 


Mr.  Carey  to  the  Society. 

Hoogley  River  Dec.  28.  1 79^* 

Honorable  and  dear  brethren, 

I BLESS  God,  our  profpeCt  is  confiderably  brighten- 
ed up,  and  our  hopes  are  more  enlarged  than  at  any  pe- 
riod fince  the  commencement  of  the  million  : owing  to 
very  pieafing  appearances  of  the  gofpel  having  been 
made  effectual  to  four  poor  labouring  rnufl'almans,  who 
have  been  letting  their  faces  towards  Zion  ever  fince  the 
month  of  Augult  lad  I hope  their  baptiftn  will  not  be 
much  longer  deferred;  and  that  might  encourage  Mo- 
hunChund,  Parbotee.  and  Cyffi  Naut,  (who  lafi:  year  ap&- 
peared  to  fet  out  in  the  ways  of  God)  to  declare  for  the 
Lord  Jefus  Chrill,  by  and  open  profeffion  of  their  faith 
in  him. 

If  any  thing  like  encouragement  did  not  come  with 
an  ill  grace  from  us,  I would  now  attempt  to  encourage 
our  beloved  friends  ; not  by  relating  our  zeal,  activity, 
or  fuccefs.  We  can  only  fay  that  upon  the  whole  we 
have  not  forgot  our  errand  ; and  though  we  have  great 
reafon  to  bemoan  our  unfitnefs  for  fo  great  a work,  yet 
we  have  been  doing  fomething  : but  I wifii  to  encourage 
you  by  the  recollection  of  what  God  has  wrought. 
When  the  fociety  was  firft  eftablilhed,  many  were  the 
doubts  whether  it  would  not  be  crulhed  in  its  infancy  ; 
but  it  has  now  Hood  for  a confiderable  time,  and  its  fuc- 
cefs, though  not  equal  to  its  withes,  is  not  however  fo 


MR.  CAREY  TO  THE  SOCIETY. 


90 

fmall  as  to  be  imperceptible.  Many  thoufands  have 
heard  the  word  of  the  gofpel  from  our  mouths,  and  the 
name  of  Chrift  begins  to  be  known  in  IVveral  parts  of  the 
country  Seven  of  the  natives,  we  hope,  are  indeed  con- 
verted, and  another  miffionary  is  now  fafely  arrived. 
Perhaps  a more  proper  fpot  to  make  a large  hand  for  the 
fpread  of  the  gofpel  could  have  fcarcely  ' been  ch  fen. 
This  is  a flotation  fo  central,  that  had  we  fufficient  men 
and  proper  means,  the  gofpel  might  with  ea <e  and  fmall 
expence  be  feut  from  hence  through  all  Hindolian,  P.  riia 
Boutan,  A flam,  and  what  are  generally  called  R»jemahl 
Hills,  on  the  weft  of  the  Ganges  ; and  were  a proper 
plan  adopted,  all  ’he  education  neceflary  for  this  exten- 
five  defign,  might  be  obtained  in  one  flotation  in  this 
country  ar.d  a «onn«ction  with  the  million  here  be  regu- 
lar'y  and  invariably  maintained.  The  importance  of  a 
proper  and  practicable  p'an  of  e ruca  ion.  not  for  the 
ch  i fren  of  the  natives  only,  but  for  the  children  of  the 
no  (nonaries  also  (force  of  whom,  it  is  to  be  hoped,  might 
in  time  be  converted  bv  the  -race  of  God  and  become 
mifijonaries  themtelves,  or  oe  other  wife  ferviceable  in  the 
m Hi  >n)  ts  obvious,  nr  ? to  mention  he  almolt  neceffity 
cf  females , weli  qu  alified,  to  communicate  the  gofpei  of 
Chrifl  in  a fltuation  where  fupertlit!  >n  lecludes  all  the 
women  of  reipeclability  from  hearing  the  word,  uniefs 
from  their  own  fex  ; and  the  advantage  which  would 
arise  from  many  oeing  embarked  together  in  fuch 
a cause,  to  our  own  fouls,  when  the  numbers  enga- 
ged wou  d all  add  to  the  impetus  of  each  particular 
foul. 

Independent  of  thrfe  co''fi  ’ergons,  the  neceffity  of 
hai'ingproper  personsto  carry  on  the  work  in  cafe  cf  our 
de  >h,  vi  any  otocr  occur t eace  in  providence  which 
might  remove  us  from  the  work  ; ind  he  importance  of 
the  number  of  imm  >rt  d f mis  to  whom  we  have  accefs, 
requite  a itrengtheni.ig  of  <mr  cau  e. 

Bap.  Per.  ei.ee’  vol.  i p.  34.5. 


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91 


MR.  FOUNTAIN  TO  MR.  F 


Mr.  Fountain  to  Mr.  F , Kettering. 

Mudnalatty , Oct.  12.  1798. 

JUST  two  years  have  elapfed  fine?  I arrived  at  this 
place.  I feel  mvfelf  at  home  for  the  Miffiori s fake,  though 
I as  well  remember,  and  as  fincerely  love  my  friends  in 
England,  as  on  the  day  when  my  eyes  took  their  laft  re- 
trofped  of  Britain’s  receding  fhore.  Should  you  think 
me  dilatory  in  writing,  I mull  apologize  for  myfelf  as 
yon  do,  by  reminding  yon  of  the  complaintin  my  head, 
perhaps  not  very  unlike  your  own,  and  from  which  bro- 
ther Thomas  gives  me  no  hope  of  obtaining  relief.  It 
prevents  me  from  fitting  long  together  either  to  read, 
write,  or  think. 

On  the  tenth  of  laft  June  I began  to  preach  in  the 
language  of  the  country.  I had  then  been  here  juft  one 
year  and  eight  months.  Sine*  then  I have  in  general 
preached  three  or  four  time*  in  a week.  Brother  Carey 
and  I are  now  engaged  alternately,  both  on  week  day 
mornings,  and  fabbath  days.  I always  feel  a greater  dif- 
ficulty to  find  words  in  prayer  than  in  preaching  Brother 

Carey  tells  me  it  was  the  fame  with  him  ; and  indeed  I 
perceive  it  in  him  to  the  prefent  day.  My  firft  difeourfe 
to  thefe  idolatrous  tribes  was  founded  on  Rev.  xiv.  6,  7. 

Oh  ' that  I could  fee  more  of  the  angels  of  Chrift  fly- 
ing towards  Bengal,  to  call  men  from  the  fervice  of  dumb 
idols,  to  that  of  the  living  God.  While  I am  writing, 
the  drums  are  beating  in  the  villages,  preparatory  to  one 
of  their  greateft  adts  of  idolatry.  Prefs  the  Society  t» 
follow  up  what  it  has  here  begun. 

For  the  encouragement  of  every  fucceeding  Mifllonary 
I may  fay,  his  advantages  will  be  greater  than  thofe  who 
were  here  before  him.  Mine  are  greater  than  brother 
Carey’s  were,  as  Ihave  thebenefit  of  hearing  him  preach, 
and  asking  him  queftions.  Thofe  who  may  come  after 


92 


MR.  FOUN  TAIN  TO  MR.  F 


us  will  fare  better  dill  ; and  one  great  advantage  to  fu- 
ture Miffionaries  will  arife  from  having  the  Bible  in  their 
hands  as  foon  as  they  arrive.  In  another  year  I hope 
it  will  all  be  ready  for  the  prefs,  and  perhaps  the  print- 
ing begun,  if  we  ihould  be  able  to  procure  types  in 
this  country. 

You  will  be  pleafed  to  hear  that  our  fchool  increafes 
very  faft.  We  have  now  in  it  thirty  fix  lads.  They  are 
of  all  cafls,  from  the  higher!  to  the  lowed  ; and  of  vari- 
ous ages  from  five  to  twenty.  Surely  it  will  be  a blcif- 
ing  In  the  end.  It  is  pleafant  to  hear  feveral  of  the  dear 
children  join  every  morning  in  a gofpel  hymn.  Oh 
that  they  may  become  the  children  of  God  ! 

This  is  a fickly  time.  The  people  are  failing  all  a- 
round  us.  I liear  {bins  medicines  have  arrived"  for  us. 
I am  glad  of  it.  We  might  (humanly  fpeaking)  fave 
many  lives,  if  we  had  emetic;  and  a dofe  or  two  of  bark 
to  adminifter  when  the  fever  firft  attacks  them.  Broth- 
er Thomas’  removal  is  a great  lofi  to  this  part  of  the 
country.  I underftand  he  has  been  thronged  with  pa- 
tients from  place  to  place  wherever  he  has  been.  Per- 
haps there  never  was  a perfon  in  this  country  who  has 
done  fo  much  in  this  way  for  the  poor  and  needy  as  he 
has.  The  biddings  of  hundreds  ready  to  perifh  have  fal- 
len upon  him.  His  regard  to  them  is  fo  great,  that  I 
have  known  him  to  get  no  fleep  for  a whole  night  when 
he  has  had  a furgical  operation  to  perform  the  next  day. 
He  has  many  qualifications  which  render  him  the  fitteft 
perfon  for  a mifiionary  that  could  any  where  be  found. 

Your’s  &c, 

J.  F. 

[Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  i.  p.  477} 


MR.  CARY  TO  MR.  B 


93 


Mr.  Carey  to  Mr.  B , Arnsby. 

Mudnabatty,  Dec.  6,  1798. 

OH  my  friend,  were  you  with  us  you  would  find 
work  enough  for  ten  thoufand  hands  to  execute  ; and 
| for  ten  thoufand  hearts  to  contrive.  You  would  fee  eve- 

* ry  corner  full  ef  idols  : By  the  way  fides  the  Baviotb , or 
high  places,  would  appear  at  the  end  of  every  mile  ; and 
facrifices  to  devils  would  continually  excite  your  compa- 
fion,  and  your  abherrence.  You  would  perhaps  feel  an 

* increafe  of  tender  affections,  excited  from  day  to  day  by 
r tliefe  fpe&acles,  and  labour  with  an  ardency  before  un- 
known, to  fetup  the  kingdom  of  Chrift,  and  to  deliver 
the  perilhing  idolaters  from  the  pit.  I with  we  had  you 
here,  for  I am  almoft  grown  callous  by  thefe  continual 
fights,  and  all  that  which  ought  ts  affedt  a mifficnary’s 

. heart  with  tendernefs.  I fee  their  abominations,  and 
f their  ignorance,  and  I fometiraes  think  them  to  be  pad 
recovery.  T charge  them  with  ftupidity  in  my  mind, 
and  then  fit  down  in  guilty  difcouragement  as  if  the 
hardeft  heart  in  India  were  invulnerable  to  the  agency 
of  the  fpirit  of  God. 

But  why  fhould  I defpond.  Though  former  attempts 
have  been  unfuccefsful,  fucceeding  ones  may  be  attend- 
ed with  a bleffing.  But  fhould  even  that  be  withholden 
till  the  laft,  yet  I cannot  think  that  our  entrance  in  a- 
mongft  this  people  will  be  in  vain.  We  may  perhaps  be 
only  forerunners  to  prepare  the  way  for  others.  At  any 
- rate  the  promife  of  God  will  not,  cannot  fail.  I will  go 
in  hi3  ftrength,  and  make  mention  of  his  righteotfnefs, 
even  of  his  only. 

I will  not  retail  to  you  our  fuccefs  and  difappoint- 
ments.  I only  mention  to  ycu  the  great  neceility  there 
is  of  fending  out  more  to  labour  with  us  : I am  getting 
into  years,  and  my  days  may  be  fhcrter  than  2ny  ore  ex- 
perts. It  would  be  a pity  not  to  have  fome  more  mifiicm- 


94 


MR.’ CAREY  TO  MR.  YATES. 


aries  acquainted  with  the  languages  of  this  country, 
that  the  work  may  not  meet  with  a check  by  any  .uch 
incident. 

1 am  going  to  preach  at  Malda.  To-morrow  I fend 
a man  half  way  with  cio.h-s,  and  provifions.  th  it  1 may 
not  be  detained  on  the  road  ■,  and  my  groom  with  him. 
The  next  day  I go  on  hoifeback  the  whole  dirtance,  thir- 
ty iix  miles  ; in  all  which  way  there  is  no  inn,  ot  mode 
of  refrelhment  for  man  or  bead,  but  by  mean*  of  the 
perfons  lent  forward.  I mention  this  that  you  may  form 
fome  idea  ot  the  difficulty  and  expenfivenefs  of  long  jour- 
neys, in  a country  like  this.  But  I blei's  God  we  have 
feveral  open  doors,  more  indeed  than  we  can  fupply  : 
and  I therefore  repeat  my  entreaties  for  more  labourers. 

1 feel  myfelf  perfectly  at  home  in  my  work  a3  a miff- 
ionary,  and  rejoice  that  God  has  given  me  this  great  fa- 
vour, to  “ preach  among  the  Gentiies  the  unfearchable 
riche*  o.  Chritt.  ” I w >uld  not  change  my  ftation  for 
all  the  fociery  in  EnglanJ,  much  as  I prize  i ; nor  in- 
deed for  all  the  wea.th  in  the  world  May  1 but  be  ufe- 
fui  in  laying  the  foundation  of  the  Chuich  of  Chrilt  in 
India,  I defire  no  greater  reward,  and  can  receive  no 
higher  honour. 

Your's  See, 

W.  C. 

Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  i.  p 490. 


K 


Mr.  Carey  to  Mr.  Tates. 

Gobra,  Jan.  6.  1800. 

I AM  now  removing  from  Mudnabatty  to  Seranspore, 
with  my  whole  family  a-j  effects,  in  company  with 
brotner  Ward.  The  pleafure  we  felt  on  receiving  the 


MR.  CAREY  TO  MR.  YATES 


95 


account  of  fuch  a goodly  number  of  miffionaries'*  sav- 
ing arrived  lafe  in  this,  country,  was  great  indeed  ; but 
it  was  fi)on  checked  by  their  not  being  permitted  to  join 
us.  All  our  friends,  therefore,  thought  it  belt  for  us  to 
fettie  at  Sera  m pore  Severalcircurrtft  mcesumted  to  prefs 
this  measure  upon  us  ; particu!.,riy  the  failure  of  the 
inuigo  crops  lall  year  at  Mudnabatty.  which  ifTued  in 
the  relinquilhmeot  of  that  factory,  together  with  the  re- 
moval of  the  worthy  owner,  who  had  been  our  tteady 
friend  and  patron,  to  Clcutta 

You  will  inquire,  What  is  become  of  thofe  natives 
concerning  whom  fome  hopes  have  been  entertained  ? 
What  is  become  of  the  riung  interelt  at  Dtnagepour  ? 
A' d is  all  preaching  given  up  at  M.-.lda  ? Is  the  ichool 
diipilved,  and  all  the  fruits  of  five  years  labour  relinquish- 
ed at  once  ? I ant’wer  : None  buc  myfelf  can  tell  the 
conflict,  and  the  exercises  of  my  mind  on  this  trying 
event  : but  neceffity  has  no  law.  Our  re fou rces  are  too 
fmall  to  permit  us  to  rive  feparately  ; and  the  work  of 
printing  the  bible  requires  my  infpection.  1 hope  well 
of  Sookmun,  and  Hurry  Charron.  The  very  laft  con- 
verfation  I had  with  them, gave  me  much  encouragement. 
Our  labours  at  Dinagepour  have  not  been  m vain. 
TheChridians  also  in  the  neighbourhood  of  M.a'da  pleafe 
me  much  We  hope  to  vifit  thufe  places  once  or  twice 
in  the  year,be(ides  correfpondiag  with  our  friends  by  let- 
ter. The  fcnool  at  Mudnabatty  is  neceffarily  relinquilh- 
ed ; though  not  till  we  have  the  plealure  of  knowing 
that  about  fifty  lads  have  been  taught  to  read  and  write, 
who  would  otherwife  have  known  nothing.  The 
name  and  doctrines  of  Chrilt  are  known  by  many 
fo  that  a foundation  is  laid  for  our  future  efforts  to  t>e- 
come  effectual.  W.  C. 

[Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  ii.  p.  46. 

* Mejfrs.  Marfhmin,  Brum  don  and  Grant,  with  their 
wive/  ; Mr.  Ward  and  Miss  '[idd,  afterwards  * Mrs . 
Fountain. 


I 


.96  MRS.  MARSHMAN  TO  MRS.  SMITH. 


Extract  of  a letter  from  Mrs.  Marsbman 
to  Mrs.  Smith. 

Seram  pore,  Feb.  13,  1801. 

OUR  gracious  God  hath  arifen  from  his  feat  and 
began  to  work.  The  caft  of  the  country  is  broken  ; and 
fatan  is  driven  from  fome  of  his  Itrong  holds  1 believe 
that  fir.ee  his  refidence  at  Serampore.  he  has  never  trem- 
bte^  as  ne  does  now.  I pray  that  he  and  a’.i  his  colleagues, 
brammhans,  may  never  reign  here  any  more.  We 
have  had  four  baptifed,  and  more  are  waiting  for  bap- 
tifm.  Thefe  things  cheer  our  hearts  in  the  midft  of  all 
our  difficulties.  At  prefent  my  hopes  concerning  the 
fuccefs  of  the  gofpel  in  this  place  arc  great  1 truft  that 
God  will  foon  call  in  a goodly  number  of  his  elect,  and 
that  Chrifi  will  foon  have  many  of  hel'e  heathen  for  his 
inheritance.  We  have  people  coming  almoft  every  day 
to  enquire  about  the  gofpel. 

I Searched  my  mind  very  minutely  before  I engaged 
id  the  fchool,  left  it  ffiould  be  irkfome  to  me  afterwards. 
However,  l was  enabled  to  leave  all,  and  cheerfully  to 
give  myfelf  up  to  the  work  5 and  through  mercy  1 have 
not  repented,  and  l hope  I never  may.  I am  not  wor- 
thy of  being  employed  in  any  thing  belonging  to  Chrift  ; 
and  often  wonder  at  the  difpenfations  of  G d in  fend- 
ing me  to  this  land,  where  fo  much  grace  is  needed,  and 
my  daily  experience  is  fuch  that  I often  fear  left  I have 
none.  This  however,  1 know  : I long  for  the  increafe 
of  Ch rift’s  kingdom  upon  earth,  efpecially  in  this  be- 
nighted part  of  it. 


KRISTNO  TO  THE  SOCIETY. 


9.7 


Kri/lno  to  the  Society. 

Seraviporc , Oct.  12,  1801. 

TO  the  brethren,  of  the  church  of  our  Saviour  Jesus 
Chrift,  our  fouls  beloved,  my  affectionately  embracing 
reprefentation. 

The  love  of  God  the  gofpel  of  Jefus  Chrift  was  made 
known  by  holy  brother  Thomas.  In  that  day  our 
minds  were  filled  with  joy.  Then  judging,  we  uuUei- 
ftood  that  we  were  dwelling  in  darknefs.  rhiough, 
the  door  of  manife  lation  we  came  to  know,  th  it  fin  coo- 
fefiing,  fin  forfak'ng,  Chriil’s  righteonsnefi,  embracing, 
falvation  would  be  obtained.  By  light  fpringing  up  in 
the  heart,  we  knew  that  finners  becoming  repentant, 
through  the  fufferings  of  Chrift,  obtained  falvation.  In 
this  rejoicing,  and  in  Chrift’s  love  believing,  I obt. fined 
mercy.  Nov  it  is  in  my  mind  continually  to  JwTl  in 
the  love  of  Chrift  : this  is  th:  defire  of  my  foul  Do 
you,  holy  people,  pour  down  love  upon  u>,  that  as  the 
chatookee,*  we  may  be  fatisfied.  I was  the  vilefl  of 
finners  : He  hath  laved  me.  New  this  word  1 will  tell 
to  the  world.  Going  forth,  l will  proclaim  the  love  of 
Chrift  with  rejoicing.  To  finners  1 will  fiy  this  worn: 
Hear  finner,  brother  ! Without  Chrift  there  is  no  help. 
Chrift  the  world  to  fave,  gave  his  own  foul  ! Such  lov.. 
was  never  heard  : for  enemies,  Chrift  gave  his  own  loul  ! 
Such  compaffion,  where  Ihall  we  get  ? For  the  fake  of 
faving  finners,  he  forfook  the  happinefs  of  heaven.  I will 
conftantly  ftay  near  him.  Being  awakened  by  this  news, 
I will  conftantly  dwell  in  the  town  of  joy.  In  the  holy 
Spirit  I will  live  ; yet  in  Chrift’s  forrovv  I wiil  be  Ibr- 
rowful.  I will  dwell  along  with  happiaefs,  continually 
meditating  on  this  ; — Chrift  'will  save  the  'world  ! In 
Chrift,  not  taking  refuge,  there  is  no  other  way  of  life. 
I was  indeed  a finner,  prahe  not  knowing.  This  is  the 
representation  of  Chrift’s  fervant,  KRISTNO. 

Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  ii.  p.  308. 

* A bird  <which  drinks  not  at  the  Jlreams  below,  but  when 
it  rains  catches  the  drops  as  they  fall. 


Sr*  H.  SMITH  TO  MR.  SUTCLIFF. 


H.  Smith  ( afterwards  Mrs.  Chamberlain ) to 
Mr.  Sut  cl  if. 

Dear  Sir,  Olneyt  Feb . 1802. 

HAVING  enjoyed  the  pleasure  and  honour  of  your 
acquaintance,  and  the  privilege  of  attending  on  your 
miniftry  for  nearly  six  years  ; and  now,  having  in  profpedt 
the  affcdling  seafor  of  bidding  you  farewell,  without  ex- 
pecting to  fee  you  any  more  in  this  world,  1 think  it 
my  duty  before  I leave  you,  to  exprefs  my  gratitude  and 
love  for  the  many  ads  of  kindnefs  I have  received  from 
you. 

You  know,  dear  fir,  the  profpeds  I have  before  me 
are  fuch  as  are  not  very  common  : being  called  to  facri- 
fice  tender  parents,  feven  affectionate  brothers  and  fil- 
ters, a beloved  pallor,  the  church  with  which  I am  in 
connexion,  and  alfo  my  native  land,  and  to  expofe  my. 
felf  to  the  dangers  of  the  deep  ; and  if  ftfely  protected 
acrofs  the  fea,  having  then  to  land  in  a heathen  country. 
Thefe  things,  dear  fir,  you  know,  have  much  affected 
my  mind.  But,  notwithftanding  many  painful  fenfa- 
tiorts,  1 can  truly  fay,  I have  often  found  much  pleafure 
in  contemplating  the  object  of  the  million  ; and  having 
been  engaged  for  three  years  in  a correspondence  with 
Mr.  Chamberlain,  it  has  led  me  to  think  much  about  it, 
as  I always  believed  that  he  would  sometime  or  other 
be  engaged  in  this  important  work  At  firft  indeed,  I 
could  not  say  I was  willing  to  go,  if  he  Ihould  be  called 
to  it,  yet  I never  perfuaded  him  to-  decline  it : and  now, 
as  the  Society  are  defirousof  fending  Mr. Chamberlain, 
and  he  is  willing  to  go,  1 alfo  am  willing  to  be  his  com- 
panion ; and  if  God  permit,  we  will  join  the  happy  few  > 
at'  Serampore  Thofe  of  them  that  I have  feen  and 
heard,  are  dear  to  me  ; and  others  I love  greatly  for 
their  work’s  fake,  though  I have  not  feen  them.  I look 
forward  to  the  happy  day,  when  we  fhall  join  them  in 
their  employment,  and  (hare  their  trials,  and  help  to 
bear  their  burdens.  We  will  readily  fubmit  to  their 


H SMITH  TO  MR.  SUTCLIFF.  9$ 

rules  and  orders,  and  hope  to  live  with  them  above  for 
ever 

Within  the  lift  few  years,  I have  been  much  delight- 
ed to  hear  of  the  i creafe  of  the  Kedeenur’s  kingdom, 
and  the  efforts  made  to  fpread  abroad  the  knowledge 
of  the  gofpel  of  Chrift,  in  any  part  of  the  world.  I 
have  found  pleafure  in  reading  Br-iinerd’s  Life,  Haw. 
eis’s  Church  Hiftory,  the  Voyage  of  the  Duff,  and  all  the 
Periodical  Accounts.  When  1 heard  of  luccefs  atten- 
ding the  Baptift.  Miffion,  it  gave  me  much  pleafure  ; 
and  have  thought  that  I could  facrifice  what  1 enjoyed, 
to  be  a partaker  with  them  of  whatever  they  met  with. 
But,  dear  fir,  none  can  tell  what  they  are,  till  they  are 
tried.  When  trials  come  near,  they  wear  a different 
aspedt  to  what  they  do  at  a diftance.  It  has  given  me 
much  anxiety  of  mind,  when  I have  thought  of  the  l'a- 
crifices  that  muff  be  made,  and  the  trials,  trouble  and 
difficu!ties,  which  may  probably  be  connected  with  the 
million.  But  thole  things  which  have  at  one  time  ap- 
peared a trial,  have  at  another  appeared  a pleasure. 
And  now  I can  fay, 

“ Whate’er  my  duty  bids  me  give, 

I willingly  refign  ” 

Concerning  the  profpedts  before  me,  I can  truly  fay,  I 
do  not  feel  my  mind  elated,  or  carried  away  with  the 
vain  expectation  that  I am  now  going  to  enjoy  perfedt 
happinefs,  or  that  I (hall  now  have  done  with  the  cares 
and  anxieties  of  life.  Not  a thought  of  this  kind  has 
entered  my  mind.  I am  now  willing  to  go,  and  be,  and 
do  whatever  the  Lord  appoints.  I now  expect  new  tri- 
als, diffi..u!ties,  and  anxious  cares.  But  the  Lord  reign- 
eth,  and  this  has  been  to  me  a reviving  thought.  If  he 
blefs  me,  I fhall  be  bleffed  indeed.  Whether  I live  in 
England,  or  India,  his  eye  will  behold  me  ; and  1 hope 
he  will  guide,  defend,  lupport,  and  comfort  me,  while 
paffing  through  this  life  ; and  when  I have  fioifiied  my 
journey,  I hope  to  live  with  my  exalted  Saviour  and 
Redeemer,  to  all  eternity.  Why  then  fhuuld  1 fear 
I 2 


IOC 


H.  SMITH  TO  MR.  SUTCL1FF. 


whit  is  in  the  path  that  is  marked  out  tor  me  ? Jefus 
has  faid,  “If  ve  love  me,  follow  me  and  how  can  I 
follow  him,  if  I forsake  the  path  in  which  he  trod  ? He 
left  his  relations  and  friends,  and  fometimes  eroded  the 
fea,  to  glorify  his  heavenly  Father  ; and  why  fhould  not 
I,  if  called  to  it  ? He  lived  in  poverty,  endured  perfe- 
ction, and  at  laft  was  put  to  death  ; and  if  I am  cal- 
led to  endure  the  fame,  why  fhould  I repine  ? 

But  now,  dear  fir,  I have  the  pleafure  to  inform 
you,  that  you  have  been  the  means,  in  the  hand,  of  God, 
©f  my  enjoying  many  pleafant  feafons,  concerning  my 
prefent  profpe&s.  Under  many  of  your  fermons  l have 
been  much  impreffed  with  the  importance  of  religion, 
and  have  been  fo  delighted  with  its  beauty  and  excel- 
lence, that  I have  efteemed  it  the  greateft  happinefs  I 
could  enjoy,  to  live  to  God,  and  be  devoted  to  his  fer- 
vice.  I felt  as  though  parting  with  my  relations,  for 
this  purpofe,  would  be  no  trial  ; but  to  be  engaged  in 
the  caufe  of  the  million,  would  be  a pleafure  to  me, 
and  I fhould  think  it  the  higheil  honour  that  could  be 
conferred  upon  me.  i'wo  fermons,  in  particular,  exci- 
ted thofe  delightful  fenfations  of  mind  One  from 
Exod.  xxxv.  20 — 29  : the  other  from  « Chron.  xxix.  5. 
Then,  dear  fir,  I could  willingly  hrve  offered  all  that  I 
poffefsed  unto  the  Lord,  and  have  confecrated  myfeif  to 
his  fervice,  that  1 might  be  his  devoted  fuSjedt.  1 do 
not  wilh  you  to  think,  dear  fir,  that  1 take  upon  myfeif 
the  character  cf  a milfionary,  this  I do  not  prtfume  to 
CtO.  But  though  the  high  honour  of  preaching  the  gof- 
pel  to  the  poor  heatrien  will  not  be  mine,  yet  I 
am  willing  to  go,  and  do  whatever  the  Lord  may  ap- 
point, and  fiiall  chink  myfeif  happy  in  ferviug  thole  who 
ferve  him. 

At  the  fame  time,  having  been  a member  of  your  fo- 
ciety  for  three  years,  and  feeling  myieif  much  united 
both  to  you  and  the  church,  your  happi  neis  and  profpe- 
rity  will  be  ever  dear  to  me. 


MR.  WARD’S  JOURNAL, 


lot 

“ When  we  afunder  part, 
it  gives  us  inward  pain 
Yet  we  Ihdl  iliil  be  joined  in  heart, 

And  hope  to  meet  again. 

This  glorious  hope  revives 
My  courage  by  the  way. 

While  I in  expedition  live. 

And  long  to  fee  the  day.” 

That  glorious  dsy,  dear  fir,  when  I hope  to  meet 
you,  with  a numerous  train  in  the  heiveniy  world  where 
we  fha.ll  never  again  be  parted  by  a wide  fea;  but  (hall 
dwell  together  on  that  peaceful  fhore,  where  there  is 
fulnefs  of  j >y,  and  plenl'ures  for  evermore.  Wishing  you 
and  yours  every  bleffing,  both  for  time  and  eternity,  I 
remain, 

Yours  affectionately, 

H.  S. 

Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  iii  p.  78. 


Mr.  & Mrs.  Chamberlain's  arrival  in  India  is 
thus  Jlated  in  Mr.  Hoard's  ’Journal. 

Jan.  26,  1803. 

.1  WENT  down  again  thi  morning,  and 
about  noon  met  the  fhip  : was  much  rejoiced  at 

meeting  with  brother  and  lifter  Ch  imb  rlain  \Ve  came 
to  C icutta,  found  brother  Ctrey,  and  proceeded 
to  \lr.  Ron’s:  the  tide  not  fetving,  we  laid  all  night 
, at  Calcutta.  Were  aifo  refrclhed  by  letters  from  Amer- 
ica. 

Jan  27  We  arrived  at  Seram  pore  his  morning  be- 
fore the  family  were  uo  : it  was  an  h ur  of  great  j ' y . 
In  the  evening  we  wen'  to  Kriiuo’s:  1 c.ite:h:ic  ! the 
children,  and  we  i uag  th.  ee  ay  mis  in  deug  dee  : brother 


i Cl  MISSIONARIES  TO  THE  SOCIETY. 


Chamberlain  joined  us  in  “ Doya  koro  ” Our  native 
friend?  made  inquiries  whether  ournew  brother  and  filler 
had  left  father,  rootlet,  brothers  or  fifteis  ! 1 never 
faw  our  native  friends  manifetl  fuch attachment  as  on  this 
cccafion.  Joymoori  faid,  “ They  cannot  talk  our  lan- 
guage ; but  we  fee  that  al1  our  hearts  are  one  : we  are 
united  in  the  death  of  Chrill.”  Brother  and  filler  Cham- 
berlain were  deeply  afkfted  during  the  whole  of  the  i% 
terview. 

Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  ii.  p.  359, 


The  Mijfionaries  to  the  Society. 

Seram  pore,  dug.  1803. 

VERY  DEAR  BRETHREN  IN  OUR  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST. 

WE  again  addrefs  our  quarterly  epittle  to  you,  not 
merely  as  a matter  of  duty:  but  as  a matter  of 
ei  joyment  to  ourfelves,  and  of  conveying  enjoyment  to 
you. 

When  this  million  was  fir  ft  begun,  you  engaged  in 
it  with  fear  and  trembling,  mingled  with  hope  ; you 
forefaw  that  there  would  be  many  obftacles  to  overcome, 
and  many  trials  to  endu  e.  The  Lord  in  infinite  wii- 
d"m  law  proper  a!fo  f rfeveral  years  to  try  your  pa- 
tience and  ours  ; to  deny  the  fuccefs  which  you  ear- 
re  iiy  ht  ped  for,  andhad  probably  anticipated  : yet  even 
in  that  long  and  gloomy  period,  the  favourable  appear- 
ances in  fevtral,  though  in  the  end  aborti  e,  ferved  to 
ke  p up  our  fpli  its, and  to  encourage  you.  B>  apparently 
very  dark  and  diftreffing  providences,  the  feat  of  me 
m (Coo  was  removed  from  the  place  where  thr.fe  hopes 
were  raifed  j death  afterwards*  was  fuffered  to  make 


* Died  Mijfi  s.  Thomas,  Fountain,  Grant,  and  Bruns - 
dan . 


MISSIONARIES  TO  THE  SOCIETY.  103 

very  alarming  inroads  upon  us,  and  we  had 
much  to  ftruggle  with  ; being  then  without  a fettled 
habitation,  and  often  put  to  lhifts  for  our  temporal  fup- 
port. 

Yet  the  million  was  never  deserted  of  God.  The 
removing  it  to  Mudnabatty  at  firll  was  the  mean  of 
preferving  it  in  its  very  feeble  and  infant  Itate,  and  of 
expediting  the  translation  of  the  scriptures.  Its  after 
removal  to  Serampore  was  the  neceflary  ftep  to  the  ufe 
of  our  printing  prefs  ; to  the  free  ufe  of  which,  as  a 
mean,  more  is  to  be  attributed  than  to  all  other  means 
put  together.  Jult  at  that  time  God  opened  the  heart 
of  the  Danifh  Governor  to  receive  us ; and  this  has 
paved  the  way  gradually  to  our  being  well  known,  and 
our  defigns  well  underftood  by  the  Englilh  government. 
The  Lord  has  given  two  good  houfes  with  extenlive  pre- 
mifes  to  the  million  ; has  fo  profpered  our  fchool  that  it 
greatly  aflifts  us  in  our  temporal  fupport,  and  at  the 
fame  time  opens  a way  for  the  religious  education  of  a 
confiderable  number  of  thofe  who  are  likely  hereafter 
to  fpend  their  lives  in  India,  and  fome  of  whom  it  may 
be  reafonably  expeited  will  receive  impreflions  at  fchool 
which  may  be  the  beginning  of  falvation  to  them  and  to 
many  others.  Our  prefs  is  conftantly  at  work,  and  is 
likely  to  be  fo  ; the  demand  for  new  teftaments,  trails, 
See.  being  rather  increafing  than  otherwife. 

The  Church  confifts  of  thirty-six  members  ; fourteen 
are  Europeans,  See.  and  twenty-two  natives  I’hefe 
have  been  all  baptifed  on  a credible  profeffion  of  faith  j 
and  have  loll  call,  friends,  and  all  for  the  gofpel.  Two 
of  them  were  brahmans  ; viz.  Krijlno  Prijaud  and  Bhyrub.. 
Three  were  of  the  writer  call  ; viz  Petumber  Stngbo , Pe~ 
• timber  Mittre , and  Ram  Roteen.  Two  were  Muflulmans; 
two  had  adopted  the  Portuguefe  drefs  and  habits,  though 
formerly  Muflulmans ; and  the  others  were  of  the  inferi- 
or calls  of  the  Hindoos.  We  cannot  fay  that  our  native 
brethren  are  fuperior  to  other  chriftians  in  lpve,  zeal, 
knowledge,  or  prudence  : they  are  fometirnes  cool,  and 


io+  MISSIONARIES  TO  THE  SOCIETY. 


fometimes  precipitate  ; fometimes  fome  of  them  give  us 
pain,  and  often  pleafure.  We  know  fomewhat  of  what 
the  apoftle  exprefl*  d : I am  jealous  over  you  •with  a holy 
jealoufy — / fear  lejl  your  hearts  be  corrupted.  We  have  to 
bear,  to  forbear,  to  hope,  to  fear,  to  exhort,  to  entreat, 
to  reprove ; and  after  all,  to  carry  our  burden  to  the 
throne  of  grace,  and  commit  the  matter  to  Him  who 
cares  infinitely  more  for  his  church  than  we  do.  We 
have  however  much  cause  for  rejoicing  in  our  brethren  : 
all  cur  members  are  in  full  communion  except  one, 
Petumber  Mittre,  who  is  under  fufpenfion  ; and  with 
all  their  infirmities  they  are  the  excellent  of  Bengal. 
We  love  them  affcdtioaately,  and  have  reafon  to  con- 
clude that  we  are  beloved  by  them.  Several  of  them 
are  active  in  talking  about  Chrift  to  others,  and  some 
have  hopeful  gifts.  Some  of  them  live  at  the  diftance 
of  feveral  day’s  journey  from  us,  and  are  like 
a few  grains  of  fait  featured  in  the  places  where  they 
live. 

The  new  teftament  and  the  pentateuch  have  been 
publillicd  a long  time  ago,  and  nearly  the  whole  ef  the 
firft  edition  of  the  new  teftament  is  difpofed  of.  The 
copy  is  now  palling  under  a clofe  revifion  preparatory  to 
a fecond  edition,  which  will  be  very  foon  put  to  the  prefs. 
The  book  of  Pfalms  and  the  prophecies  of  Ifaiah  are  alfq 
printed. 

Dear  brethren,  pray  for  us  perfonally,  that  we  may 
all  endure  to  the  end  ; and  pray  for  us  as  a body,  that 
the  word  of  God  may  abound  and  be  glorified  in  this 
dark  country  by  our  means  ! We  feel  our  hearts  united 
to  you,  and  truft  that  you  are  warmely  reroemoered  by 
Us  in  our  prayers.  We  are  aff  ftionateiy  yours, 

W CAREY. 

J MARSH  MAN. 

W.  WARD. 

J CHAMBERLAIN. 
FELIX  CAREY. 

£Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  ii.  p.  441.3 


$IR.  WARD  TO  MR.  MORRIS.  flgft 

Mr.  Ward  to  Mr.  Morris. 

April  27,  t8*'3. 

THE  following  piece  is  intended  for  the  Period!  al 
Accounts,  if  it  fhouid  not  be  th ought  of  too  lingua  a 
complexion  for  th.it'work  ; it  it  fheuH-  it  is  at  your  fer- 
vice.  It  mull  he  mme;  flood  that  it  is  not  a literal  and 
exact  conversation;  it  was  not  taken  word  t^r  woid 
from  the  mouth*  of  the  ip-  akers  : fuffice  it  to  lay,  that 
the  ^f-incip  l circuml!  antes  arc  t>ue  You  will  be  g ad 
to  hear,  that  hitherto  God  hatli  helped  us  ; and  that  at 
present,  all  if  well. 

W.  W. 

A DI  ALOGUE. 

FOUND)  D ON  FACTS. 


Boodheesa.xhz  principa  petfon  in  this  feene,  was  horn 
a Muflu  man,  and  brought  up  to  farming,  but  after  wat  ds 
became  a byraggee  : that  is  to  say,  he  renounced  his 
friend,  and  worldly  occupation,  ana  took  h - hoi  in  fs 
of  a byraggee  Being  initui&ed  by  his  new  grroo.  cr 
teacher,  he  began  a life  of  wandering,  begging,  and 
repeating  the  forms  of  his  new  cafl  In  this  way  he 
did  many  adts  incredibly  cliff  u t and  painful.  Hear- 
ing a little  of  the  gofpel,  he  r <me  three  days’  jour- 
ney to  Serampore  ; heard  more;  became  inclined  to  wait 
for  ftill  further  inftru&ion.  and  was  at  length  baptised  ; 
accounting  all  his  hard  acquired  hoiinefs  “ but  dung, 
that  he  might  win  Chrifl,  and  oe  found  in  him.”  On  leav- 
ing Serampore  he  refolved  to  return  to  his  house,  which 
he  had  forlaken  on  becoming  a byraggee.  When  he  ar- 
rived, he  flood  at  the  door  ; and  as  foon  as  they  saw'  him, 
, they  all  with  weeping  invited  him  in.  He  told  them  he 
could  not  go  in,  as  he  had  loli  call  ; and  he  did  not  wifli 
to  give  them  forrow  without  their  confent. 

The  mother  (A  very  old  woman,  crying)  Come  in 
my  fon  : why  do  you  ftand  at  the  door  ? 


Art  MR.  WARD  TO  MR.  MORRIS. 


Boodbeesa  No  mother:  I cannot  come  into  thehnufe. 
You  will  lofe  your  caft  ; for  1 have  eaten  with  Englifii 
people  ! 

The  mother,  and  brother , and  Boodheeta’t  wife.  Well ; 
but  cannot  you  come  in  ? 

Boodbeesa  N>>:  1 will  not  come  in.  But  if  you  will 
come  and  lit  oui,  l will  tell  you  what  I have  done,  and 
why  1 have  done  it 

Thefatn.ly  Come  then,  let  us  go  and  fit  in  the  cow- 
house 

Boodbeesa  ( Sitting  with  his  friends  round  him  in  the 
cow-hou  e ) You  all  know  that  1 have  never  done  any 
thing  but  tor  the  bell  It  was  to  le«k  my  good  that 
I became  a byraggee  ; and  therefore  you  may  be  fure 
that  what  I have  now  done,  has  been  to  Secure  my  Salva- 
tion 

Mother  Well  my  Son,  let  Us  hear. 

Bodheesa  You  know  that  I have  wandered  up  and 
down  in  Search  of  the  true  way.  I forfook  the  world, 
I became  a byraggee,  I obtained  my  food  by  begging, 
I have  repeated  the  name  of  God  continually.  I have 
vifited  ditferent  holy  places,  l have  performed  the 
bromha  f tdon,*I  have  performed  the  foorgaf  fad<n  ; a d 
for  twelve  months,  twelve  hours  every  day,  fiico  my 
eyes  on  the  blazing  orb,  till  I became  blind  ; and  my 
face  as  black  as  ink,  was  dried  up  You  know  that  1 then 
performed  the  chundro  fadon  to  recover  my  fight,  and 
to  obtain  fome  fruit  for  my  foul.  Befides  this,  1 have 
done  other  Very  ievere  and  terrific  arts,  called  holir.efs  ; 
but  all  was  in  vain  : I continued  a Have  to  fin,  ana  my 
mind  was  deitkute  of  happinefs.  At  length  I heard  of 
there  being  a new  way  preached  at  Serampore.  I have 
been  there,  Stud  have  hca  d glad  tidings  ; that  Jelus 
Chriil  came  into  the  worla,  and  bore  the  punifiiment 
due  to  finners.  This  is  a great  word,  and  it  has  fined 
my  foui  with  hope  and  joy.  Hence  1 have  laid  alide 

* Worjhip  paid  Bromha,  f IV or  (hip  of  the  Moon, 


MR..  WARD  TO  MR.  MORRIS. 


icy 

the  proud  thought  of  making  amends  for  my  own  tranl- 
greflions.  I make  my  refuge  in  his  death,  and  confider 
all  my  own  holinefs  as  a heap  of  fin.  I have  been 
baptized  in  his  name.  !f  I can  believe  in  him,  and 
obey  his  commands,  I fliall  get  over  my  everlafting  ruin. 
If  you  can  unite  with  me  in  becoming  the  diciples  of 
thrift,  then  I fhall  find  my  home,  my  mother,  my 
brother,  my  wife,  and  a Savior,  all  at  once  : but  if  you 
cannot,  then  1 will  abide  by  my  Savior,  and  go  every 
where  proclaim  ng  his  name.  If  I die  in  this  work  un- 
der a tree,  or  any  where  else,  verily  it  fhall  then  be  well 
with  me  ! 

Mother.  My  fon,  I am  now  become  old  : in  looking 
round  me  I fee  only  you  and  your  brothers  and  fillers  ; 
1 fee  no  world  below,  but  you.  If  you  have  found  this 
good  news,  well : let  your  brother  go  with  you,  and 
fee  and  hear  ; and  if  he  find  things  fo,  and  a Savior  have 
died  for  us  ; why  may  not  we  be  baptized,  and  fhare  in 
the  benefit  ? 

Sadutsa.  (the  brother)  I will  go  to  Serampore  with 
you.  I had  thought  of  flaying  at  home  and  of  remain- 
ing unmarried,  to  nourilh  my  mother  till  her  death  ; 
and  then  of  becoming  a byraggee,  that  having  left 
the  world,  at  death  I might  obtain  fidvation.  But  now 
1 will  go  with  you,  and  hear  about  Ycsu  Kre-fi. 

Mother.  Well,  ion,  let  us  go  in.  You  mud  cat  with  us. 
W7hy  fhould  you  then  flay  cut  ? Are  you  then  of  a 
different  caft  from  ycur  own  mother  ? 

[They  leave  the  cow-houfe  ; and  at  the  voice  of 
maternal  love,  at  the  call  of  the  gofpel,  and  in  fpite  of 
the  interdidlions  of  the  infernal  cafl,  they  eat  and  drink 
together  ; faying  one  to  another,  Let  us  now  go  even  unto 
Jiethleketn , and  fee  this  thing  which  is  come  to  pafs,  which 
the  Lord  hath  made  known  to  us.] 

[bap.^Per.  Acc.  vol,  j].  p.  .134.] 


icS 


MR.  CHAMBERLAIN 


Mr.  Chamberlain  to  Dr  Ryland 

Cutsxaont.be  Ganges,  Sep  3,  1804. 

THIS  piece  is  about  feventy  miles  from  Serarnpore, 
by  ihe  Hooglcy  river.  Here  I have  procured  a ipot  of 
$’)  urd,  perhaps  about  two  acres,  pleasently  fituated  by 
tv- o tanks,  and  a fine  grove  of  mungo  trees,  at  a thrall 
ciittr.ee  frem  the  town.  It  was  with  difficulty '1  pro- 
cured a fipot.  I was  forced  to  leave  one,  after  I had 
made  a beginning,  through  the  violent  eppofition  of  the 
people.  Coming  to  this,  oppofition  ceafed  ; arid  there- 
fore I called  it  rehobgth  ;for  Jehovah  hath  made  room 
lor  us.  H re  1 have  railed  a fpacious  bungalow,  fony- 
two  foe  t by  thirty  five.  Comfortable  accomodations 
for  four  families  may  be  made,  if  necefiary. 

Left  Serampcre,  May  3,  and  aiTived  on  the  6th. 
Here  I was  alone  two  months  ; after  which  I wrent  to 
Serampore  and  returned  in  eighteen  days  with  my  wife, 
houfhold  things  and,  See.,  and  we  are  now  happily  fettled, 
lhave  made  fome  proficiency  in  the  language,  being  al- 
moft  continually  employed  in  fpeaking  it.  Almoft  every 
day  I have  converfation  with  the  natives,  who  come  to 
enquire  and  hear.  Some  days  I have  fcarcely  leifure  to 
refrelh  myfelf.  We  have  worfhip  every  morning  in 
Bengilee,  which  confifts  in  finging,  reading  the  ferip- 
trres,  and  prayer.  On  Lord’s  days  we  have  worfLip  in 
Bengalee,  at  eight  in  the  morning,  and  between  four  and 
nve  in  the  evening,  when  numbers  attend-  I also  gene- 
rally go  into  the  bazar,  and  fometimes  have  long  dispu- 
tations ; but  here  theie  is  too  much  confufion  and  oppo- 
fition  to  be  comfortable.  People  are  continually  com- 
ing to  our  houfe,  which  prevents  my  going  out.  Some 
feem  deteiimueJ  to  oppofe  ; others  appear  better  in- 
clined. It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  endeavour  to 
make  known  to  them  the  word  of  life  ; nor  would  I 
change  my  fituation  for  any  w-orldly  advantage.  True, 
vc  are  furreunded  with  them  who  know  not  God  : we 


TO  DR.  RYLAND. 


ro9 

hive  no  joyful  afl'cmblies  of  the  flints  to  which  w»  can 
relort,  to  unite  in  the  reviving  exercises  of  focia!  wor- 
ihip  : no  private  families  where  we  can  meet  and  con- 
vi rse  to  our  mutual  comfort  and  encouragement.  No; 
ve  are  ilrangers,  and  are  accounted  a (trange  peon  a : 
we  all’o  dwell  among  a people  of  a hitherto  llrange  lau- 
g n<ae,  but  which  is  now  becoming  familiar  a peop.e 
feifinterefted  to  a proverb —avaricious,  proud,  cruel, 
plunged  into  the  depths  of  iniquity — delighting  an 
wallowing  in  the  vileft  fins  ; a people  than,  whom,  none 
can  be  more  unperfuadable,  foftering  fef  conceit,  art 
the  mod  delufive  opinions  ; accounting  wood,  flo  e, 
mud,  draw,  trees,  flowers,  rivers,  wafer,  Sc:.  See.  -id  : 
and  fo  wot  (hipping  thefe  things,  toge  he:  with  fom-  J 
the  vileft  of  men  and  women,  as  god  ! This  is  our  fitua- 
tion  ; yet,  God  he  praifecl,  we  ..re  not  hopclefs,  nor 
comfortlels.  We  know  it  is  but  for  Jehovah  to  difpluy 
his  glorious  arm,  and  then  will  our  eyes  be  bl:f\  ! 
-with  a wonderous  fight.  I anticipate  the  time  when 
people  (hall  come  from  the  circu  nj  icent  villages  and 
towns,  flocking  o’er  the  extended  plains,  to  hear  the 
word  of  life  at  Cutwa  ; having  forfak-en  their  idols,  th:ir 
debtahs,  &c.,  and  taken  refuge  <n  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrifl. 
I anticipate  the  day  when  the  horrid  din  of  idol  mufic 
(hall  give  way  to  the  fongs  of  Zion  ; when  in  the  place 
of  their  filthy  idolatrous  fongs,  fh ill  flan  1 the  fweet 
finger  of  Ifrael,  in  Bengalee  array  ; when  children  fhall 
delight  tolifpthe  name  of  Jefus,  and  old  men  join  the 
chorus,  Glory  to  God  in  the  higheft  ! When  their 
ihaflers  and  hades,  which  have  been  fo  long  the  fupport 
of  this  part  of  Satan’s  kingdom,  (hall  melt  away  like 
wax  before  the  fun  ; and  the  precious  fountain  of  truth, 
the  Bible,  (hall  be  the  glory  of  this  land,  and  the  confi- 
dence, comfort,  and  fupport  of  all  the  people  ! Thefe 
things  I anticipate,  and  am  encouraged.  Not  that  I am 
fo  fanguine  as  to  fuppofe  that  my  mortal  eyes  will  be 
hold  it  ; but  my  confidence  is,  that  omnipotent  truth 
will  fulfil  the  promises  of  unerring  wifdom  and  boundlefs 


T IO 


I-ROM  FOUR  HINDOOS. 


mercy.  The  knowledge  of  the  glory  of  Jehovah  fhall 
cover  the  earth  as  the  waters  cover  the  feas.  The  vifion 
for  an  appointed  time  ; at  the  end  it  will  fpealc,  it 
will  not  lie  ; though  it  tarry,  yet  will  we  wait  becaufe  it 
will  fur  el  y come,  it  will  not  tarry.  F’or  this  bright  day 
will  we  pray  and  hope,  and  labour  to  prepare  the  way- 
that  fhall  ufher  it  in  with  all  its  refplendence,  and  difpel 
the  grofs  darknefs  that  now  covers  this  unhappy  people. 

Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  iii.  p.  jo-  . 


From  four  Hindoos, 

Written  in  Bengalee  and  translated  by  J.  L. 
Fernandez. 

To  all  the  brethren  'who  believe  in  the  Lord  jesus  Christ,  our 
love  fly  all  be  mnifefed 

WE  are  very  miferable  and  wretched  finners ; but 
hearing  these  glad  tidings,  that  the  Lord  Jefus  Chrift, 
for  the  fake  of  finners  fnffered  in  his  own  body,  and 
gave  up  his  life,  being  by  wicked  hands  crucified  on  the 
tree,  we  have  believed  in  his  name.  This  news  we 
received  through  the  medium  of  brother  Carey,  Marfh- 
mm,  and  Ward.  Having  received  the  new  teflament 
from  them,  we  compared  it  with  our  former  fhafters, 
and  were  brought  to  judge  that  all  our  own  works,  and 
all  our  ceremonies,  prayers,  and  worfhip  wire  nothing  ; 
forafmuch  as  we  did  not  by  pe  rforming  thefe  things  re« 
ceive  a new  heart,  nor  the  dread  of  fin.  We  are  now 
confcious  that  thefe  things  are  vanity,  becaufe  they  are 
theworks  of  men  : and  before  God  they  are  an  aborni- 
nation,  for  God  hath  commanded,  Let  there  be  no  other 
God  but  me.  The  holy  fcriptures'having  teflified  thefe 
things  unto  us,  we  have  thrown  away  all  our  former 
pooj  ;.hs,  and  believe  in  the  death  of  Cbrift,  knowing 


GENERAL  LETTER 


hi 


that  befides  the  Lord’s  death  there  is  no  wav  of  efcape 
for  Tinners.  He  who  was  the  Creator  of  the  world  hath, 
for  the  falvation  of  Tinners,  offered  up  his  own  body, 
an  acceptable  facrifice  before  God  ; and  now  there  is 
an  atonement  madefo'  fin,  fo  th  it  any  Tinner  believing 
truly  in  his  death  will  receive  the  salvation  of  his  soul. 
Knowing  theie  things  we  have  left  all,  and  taken  refuge 
in  him. 

Moreover  we  truft  that  the  kingdom  of  our  Lord 
Jesus  Chrift  will  fpread  in  Bengal.  He  is  increafing 
his  church  gradually,  and  the  gofpel  is  preached  in 
many  remote  diitridts.  We  truft  therefore  that  as  he 
is  the  fruit-giver,  he  will  give  fruit.  At  present  he  has 
given  us  a great  many  brethren  and  fillers  ; and  we  hope 
in  time  he  will  give  many  more. 

Dear  brethren,  we  have  never  had  an  interview 
with  you  ; but  in  the  love  of  Chrift  we  are  one  in  mind, 
and  we  have  a great  defirc  of  feeing  you. 

RAM  MO  HUN’. 

RAM  ROTTON. 
BYDENAUT. 

« KRISHNO  PRESAUD, 

[Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  iii.  p.  19ft.] 


General  letter  to  the  Society. 

Mar.  2 1,  1806. 

THOUGH  our  succefs  has  rot  been  equal  to  our 
wifhes,  yet  cur  hearts  are  often  gladdened  by  feeing  a 
goodly  company  of  poor  perifhing  hcathex  fit  do  wn  e*t 
commemorate  cur  Savior’s  death,,  who  are,  we  truft, 
the  fophies  of  his  grace  The  church  received  laft  vear 
an  addition  of  thirty  four  members,  thirty  one  of  whom 
are  natives,  ft  hree  of  them  at  this  t’me  fufpended 
foim'  communion  ; hut  we  have  hopes  of  two  of  them 


TO  THE  SOCIETY 


at  lead  being  fpeedily  reftored.  Since  the  beginning  of 
sne  year  we  have  baptized  eight  perfons  Viz.  in 
January,  a man  of  the  name  of  Giriidhur,  who  came, 
down,  and  returned  with  brother  Chamberlain.  In 
February,  Chituri’s  wife,  and  Unna’s  daughter,  with 
Nundakeihur  and  Heduram,  from  the  neighbourhood  of 
Dinag*  pore  In  March,  two  young  men, and  a woman, 
from  Kriftnopore. 

At  prefect  we  have  feveral  enquirers,  one  of  whom 
comes  from  near  Benares.  The  church  at  Serampore 
now  confifts  of  cighty-tivo  members,  whofe  walk  and 
conversion  with  a few  exceptions,  afford  us  much 
pleafure.  We  are  ferry  to  inform  you  that  Krijhtio 
Prefaud  has  been  ill  for  feveral  months  ; and  if  lie  does 
not  foon  recover,  we  are  doubtful,  from  the  nature  of 
fiis  diforder,  whether  we  lha'1  n »t  be  called  to  mourn 
the  lof9  of  that  valuable  brotl  ert  He  is  a young  man 
in  wh.^m  is  united,  proraifmg  talents,  with  prudence 
and  affeflion. 

In  the  beginning  of  January,  brtthien  Ward,  Fer= 
namiez  and  Moore,  accompanied  our  dear  brethren 
Mayl  n and  Fernandez  jun.  to  the  lliip  lying  in  Sajagur 
Roads,  near  the  month  of  the  river.  From  thence 
they  went  to  Saugur  Iftand,  a cd.bra'e  bathir.g  place 
of  the  Hindoos  ; and  the  day  after  their  arrival  they 
were  joined  by  three  native  brethren  who  left  Serampore 
foon  after  their  departure.  An  immtnse  multitude  of 
people  were  affembled  at  the  Itland,  among  whom 
they  preached,  and  diftvibuted  pamphlets. 

A new  church  has  been  formed  for  Dinagepore,  of 
which  you  have  received  the  part’culars.  On  Feb.  26. 
brother  Fernandez,  filler  Bills,  with  two  of  her  children, 
and  three  native  members  of  the  Dinagepore  church, 
left  Serampore  Brother  Bifs  accompanied  them  Its  far 
as  the  great  liver.  Since  his  return  we  have  heard 
of  their  fade  arrival  at  Dinagepore.  Brother  Bifs  wjll 
join  them  as  foon  as  permiflnn  can  be  obtained.  The* 


GENERAL  LETTER 


”3 

preached  arul  diftrubited  tra&s  in  their  wav,  and  the 
people  were  eager  to  hear  and  read.  Thef  fpent  a day 
or  two  at  Cutwa  in  their  way  up  the  country. 

Brother  Chamberlain’s  active  exertions  afford  us 
much  pleafure  He  has  frequently  an  opportunity  of 
preaching  to  large  aflemblies,  and  is  often  employed  in 
preaching  and  diftributing  tradts  for  hours  together. 
We  hope  our  brother  will  foon  fee  with  joy  the  fruits  of 
his  labours  at  Cutwa  He  has  baptised  the  wife  of  our 
brother  Kangalee.  The  following  is  an  extradl  of  hia 
letter  to  us  in  February, 

“ I'he  laft  has  been  a week  of  great  exertion  and 
of  great  affliction.  Some  thoulands  of  people  have 
parted  through  Cutwa,  in  their  way  to  (the  idol)  Jug- 
gernaut ; amongft  whom  Kangalee  and  1 have  been 
very  much  employed  in  preaching  and  diftributing 
ttadls.  Many  will  acknowledge  that  they  are  going 
this  long  journey  for  nothing,  and  yet  cannot  be  diffua- 
ded  from  it.  Laft  week  fome  great  people  puffed 
through  Cutwa,  with  an  elephant  and  two  horfes,  a pre- 
fent  for  the  idol.  Mr.  W — (a  young  man  of  our  ac- 
quaintance. whole  heart  we  hope  the  Lord  hath  touched) 
and  myfelf,  went  to  fee  them.  They  behaved  with  great 
po.itenefs,  and  converted  with  freedom.  One  was  an 
elderly  man,  who  had  lean  the  fcriptures,  and  profeffed 
to  approve  of  them. 

“ I have'r.ot  been  able  to  go  to  the  villages  around 
as  during  the  paft  week,  but  have  been  engaged  twice  a 
day,  for  feveral  h >urs  together  at  the  Gunge,  which  has 
much  exhaulled  my  fpirits.  Laft  evening  a number  of 
brahmans,  and  others,  loaded  Kangalee  and  me  with 
abrfe,  and  manifefted  the  greateft  enmity  againft  the 
gofpeltnat  1 have  even  feen  in  the  country 

Extradl  of  a letter  from  him  in  March — “ I in- 
formed you  in  my  laft  that  I was  going  to  Keble-elhor. 
Brother  Kangalee  and  I went,  and  were  abfent  from 
home  four  days.  There  was  a vaft  concomfe  of  people  : 
they  heard  the  wordwith  great  attention.  We  were  two 


11+ 


TO  THE  SOCIETY. 


days  amongft  them,  and  diflributed,  I cannot  fay  how 
many,  peihaps  five  thoufand  trails.  Laft  Lord’s  day 
week  was  a great  day -among  the  H-ndoos.  Few  lefs, 
perhaps  more,  than  twenty  thoufand  people  were  at  Cut- 
wa,  to  bathe  in  Gonga,  among  whom  we  were  engaged 
four  days  without  intermiflion.  The  Gunge  people  who 
have  lately  m .nifcfted  much  oppofition,  ftirred  up  the 
country  people  againft  us,  fo  that  few  could  be  per- 
suaded to  take  papers  ; and  they  that  had  taken  them, 
moll  returned  them,  Kangalee  was  much  discouraged, 
and  fo  was  I : but  1 endeavoured  to  encourage  him,  tel- 
ling him  that  though  they  triumphed,  yet  we  were  not 
conquered.  The  next  day  we  went  out,  and  gave  away 
fom  bundles  of  papers,  and  not  a dog  moved  his  tongue 
againft  us.  The  people  among  whom  we  were  to-day, 
were  generally  intelligent,  and  could  read  and  write. 
Two  or  three  difputed  One  in  the  face  of  hundreds  of 
people  ingenuoufly  confelTed  that  he  was  loft  ; and  that 
he  did  not  know  whether  he  was  going,  nor  the  reafons 
for  what  he  did.  This  evening,  reviewing  the  work  of 
the  day,  I gave  thanks  to  God  with  a heart  full  of  joy. 
What  a pleafute  to  be  able  to  preach  to  a hundred  vil- 
lages at  oi.ee,  and  to  proclaim  the  glad  tidings  of  falva- 
tion  to  thoufands  in  a day  ! The  adir.iniiiration  of  the 
ordinance  of  baptifm  has  caufed  a great  fermentation. 
Numbers  are  wifhing  there  may  be  another  foon  ; and 
you  will  give  me  credit  that  in  this  wifh  1 heartily 
concur.” 

[Bap.  Per.  Acc.  vol.  iii.  p.  225.] 


THE  MISSIONARIES  TO 


1 15 


The  MiJJtonaries  to  Captain  Benjamin  Wickes  fen. 


VERY  DEAR  BROTHER, 

WE  cannot  bid  you  farewell  again  (perhaps  for  the 
lad  time  as  it  respeds  fome  one,  or  more,  or  all  of  us) 
without  feeling  anew  all  thofe  fcnfations  which  have 
bound  you  to  our  hearts  by  no  common  ties.  We  know 
what  a large  intereft  we  have  in  your  heart,  in  your  pray- 
ers, and  in  your  efforts  ; and  oh  ! dear  brother,  we  are 
lure  you  are  in  our  hearts  to  live  and  to  die  with  you. 
Whatever  changes  the  difpenfations  of  an  all-wise  Prov- 
idence may  make  among  us,  and  to  whatever  parts  of 
the  world  you  may  be  carried  in  future  voyages,  we  can- 
not forget  you  at  a throne  of  grace,  and  we  will  cherifh 
the  hope  of  feeing  you  again  and  again  with  frelh  car- 
goes of  miffionaries. 

Think,  dear  brother,  what  the  king  of  Zion  has  done 
for  India,  fince  you  firft,  in  1799,  brought  out  miflionr 
ar.ies  ; not  merely  by  our  means,  but  in  a variety  of 
ways  : what  a progrefs  in  the  tranflation  and  diilribu- 
tion  of  the  word  of  God  into  fo  many  languages  fpoken 
by  fo  many  millions  of  men  j how  many  thoufands  of 
miffionary  trafts  have  gone  all  over  Hindooftan,  how 
many  natives  have  been  baptized,  and  fome  landed  fafe 
in  glory  ; what  a broad  foundation  laid  for  the  future 
extenfion  of  the  gofpel  ; what  an  increafe  of  miffionary 
flrength,  Epifcopal,  Independent,  and  Baptift,  befide 
the  number  of  native  itinerants.  How  emphatically 
true  refpecting  India,  “ Behold,  the  fields  are  already 
white  for  the  harveft.”  Let  this  be  acknowledged  as  a 
conftant  and  infallible  proof  that  you  have  not  run  in 
vain,  neither  laboured  in  vain. 

We  are^not  infenfible  of  the  many  painful  exercifes 
through  which  your  unerring  Saviour  permits  you  to 
pafs.  We  fympathize  with  you  veryfeofibly  : yet  we 
know  how  much  thd'e  exercifes  hare  flrengthened  ycuj 


ii 6 CAPT.  BENJAMIN  WICKES,  sex. 


and  producedin  you  a rich  experience  of  the  deep  things 
of  God  We  pray  that  your  ftrength  may  he  always 
equal  to  the  day  of  trial.  May  the  God  of  all  confola- 
tion  be  with  you  continually  ; fupport  you  under  every 
trial ; guide  you  with  his  unerring  counfel,  and  finally 
bring  you  and  us,  and  many  Hindoos  to  his  eternal 
kingdom.  What  a meeting  ! what  a fight  will  that  be! 

Finally,  deareft  brother,  we  engage  again  with  you 
to  be  the  Lord’s,  and  to  give  ourfelves,  our  all  to  his 
fervice.  We  give  you  this  as  a token  of  our  fenfe  of 
the  many,  very  many  obligations  we  owe  you  ; of  the 
entire  onenefs  of  heart  which  fubfifts,  and  which  will  for- 
ever fubfift,  betwixt  us,  and  of  the  tender  concern  which 
we  feel  at  parting  from  you. 

We  are,  dear  brother  Wickes, 

Your  very  affectionate  brethren  anci  fillers. 


W.  CAREY, 

J.  MARSH  MAN, 
W.  WARD, 

R.  MARDON, 

J.  BISS, 

W.  MOORE, 

J.  CHATER, 
JOSHUA  ROWE, 
WM.  ROBINSON, 
FELIX  CAREY, 


M.  CAREY, 

H.  MARSH  MAN, 

M WARD, 

RHODA  MARDON, 
H.  BISS, 

ANN  CHATER, 

E.  ROBINSON, 


fEvaji.  Int.  vol.  ii*.  p.  it 8.] 


MR.  MARSHMAN  TO  DR.  GREEN  117 


Mr.  Marjhman  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Green , 
Philadelphia. 

REVEREND  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

YOU  will  be  pleufea  to  hear  that  the  Lord  has  not 
forfaken  us  ; but  dill  continues  to  own  «ur  humble  and 
weak  efforts  to  promote  his  caufe  in  this  land  Within 
about  twenty  •nomhs  pall  we  have  baptized  nearly  fif- 
ty of  thofe  who  once  bowed  to  dumb  idois,  the  greater 
part  of  whom,  by  their  walk  ana  conversation,  afford  us 
a degree  of  pleafure  peculiar,  perhaps,  to  perldns  in  cur 
circumflances. 

We  have,  alfo,  the  happinefs  of  feeing  not  a few  of 
them  our  helpers  in  the  work  of  the  Lord.  Had  you 
been  prefent  this  evening  you  would  have  felt  pleafure 
of  no  common  kind,  while  joining  with  us  in  giving  the 
parting  benediction  to Jtx  native  brethren , going  out  to 
carry  the  news  of  life  to  their  perilhing  fellow  country- 
men. 

It  will  be  acceptable  to  the  friends  of  Gcd  and  man, 
with  you,  to  hear  that  their  generous  exertions  to  for- 
ward the  tranflations  of  the  facred  feriptures  into  the 
Indian  languages,  are  not  in  vain.  The  Lord  is  great- 
ly enlarging  us  in  this  work,  and  that  in  fuch  a manner 
as  leaves  no  doubt  whether  it  be  his  hand  cr  not.  The 
New  Tellamcnt,  in  five  languages,  is  now  in  the  prefs  ; 
the  Bengalee,  Kindootlhanee,  the  Mahratta,  the  Oriffa, 
and  the  Sangskirt  languages  ; and  tranflations  in  five 
others  are  going  forward  fuccessfully.  Among  thefe  the 
goodnefs  of  God  refpedting  the  Chintfe,  demands  par- 
ticular acknowledgements  (when  we  consider  the  num- 
..  ber  of  fouls  interfiled)  in  giving  us  so  able  and  judi- 
cious a tranflatcr  in  the  perlon  of  Mr.  Loflar,  and  in 
enabling  lome  of  the  younger  branches  of  the  family  to 
make  io  rapid  a progrets  in  the  Chinefe  language  and 
characters,  as  wei  1 as  in  the  originals  of  the  feriptures, 
that  the  moll  pkafing  profpeCt  is  afforded  of  the  fac- 


REV.  DR.  CAREY  TO  THE 


t 1 8 

red  oracle’s  being  one  day,  not  only  tranflated  into  that 
extraordinary  language,  but  of  this  tranflation  being  fo 
fully  revifed,  and  compared  with  other  writings,  in  the 
language,  as  fhall  remove  every  doubt  of  its  fidelity 
and  accuracy.  With  the  moil  cordial  regards  to  our 
honourable  thriftian  brethren  with  you  1 remain,  rever- 
end and  dear  fir,  very  fincerely  your’-., 

J.  MARSHMAN. 

Serampore,  Nov.  4,  18 nC. 

jcvan.  Int.  vol  iii.  p,  133. 


Revrend  Dr.  Carey  to  the  Editor  of  the  Majf. 
Baptijl  Mijftonary  Magazine. 

Calcutta.  Nov.  2.  1809. 

MY  DEAR.  BROTHER, 

ALLOW  me  likewife  to  obferve,  that  the  caufe  of 
our  Redeemer  has  confiderably  gained  ground  in  India, 
yet  it  would  be  a very  difficult  thing  to  point  diredtly  to 
any  one  person  as  the  inftrument  by  which  this  work  has 
been  accomplished  ; and  as  difficult  to  fay  that  any 
individual  has  not  been  made  ufeful,  and  contributed, 
as  an  inflrument,  to  the  progrefs  of  the  caufe  of  our 
Redeemer  in  this  part  of  the  world.  A goodly  number 
of  perfons  of  defferent  difcriptions  have  been  converted  ; 
in  feveral  of  them  the  convictions  have  been  begun 
when  they  were  in  folitary  fituations,  unacquainted  with 
any. who  made  a profeffion  of  love  to  God,  and  in  fome 
initances,  without  any  apparent  means.  In  others  the 
convcrfaticn  of  perfons  brought  to  the  knowledge  of 
the  truth,  with  their  relations,  neighbours,  or  acquain- 
tances, has  been  blelfed.  In  feveral  inftances  the  la- 
bours of  our  brethren,  who  have  been  converted  from 
heathenifm,  have  been  blefled  ; and  probably,  in  fome 


EDITOR  OF  fHE  MASS.  BAP. 


J19 

few  inilances,  public  preaching  has  been  graciouily  ow  ed. 

In  whatever  way  the  wo: k has  been  effected,  it  is  evi- 
dent that  a very  vifible  work  has  been  carried  on;  but 
it  his  been  gradual,  its  progrefs  is  belt  conceived  by  com- 
paring the  prefent  date  of  religion  with  what  it  was 
l'ome  years  ago. 

When  I Hr  it  arrived  in  this  country,  Nov  1 1.  >793, 
there  was  one  evangelical  minuter  of  the  church  of  Eng- 
land in  this  town,  who  had  been  here  feveral  year-,  and 
betides  him,  1 knew  of  no  one  who  profelfed  to  iove 
God,  except  myielf  and  my  colleague,  Mr.  Thomas,  i 
have,  however,  reafon  to  believe  that  there  might  then 
be  about  haif  a dozen  more  in  different  parts,  of  the  coun- 
try. I and  my  colleague  removed  to  a great  dift.mce 
up  the  country,  where  I had  to  lludy  the  langu  :ge,  and 
wheie  we  publifhed  the  gofpel  to  theinhabitan  s ’.round. 
Sometimes  we  had  hopes  concerning  feveral  perlons,  but 
whether  any  were  really  converted  is  to  this  day  a very 
doubtful  thing 

Atthe  pei fent time,  however,  through  the  fmiles  of 
our  gracious  God,  things  wear  a different  afpedt  Be- 
tides fix  evangelical  clergymen  of  the  church  ot  England, 
and  two  Presbyterians,  or  Independent  miniflers  ; there 
are  nine  Rations  occupied  (or  about  to  be  occupied)  by 
Baptht  minillers  in  this  Presidency,  and  five  chinches 
cor.tiituted,  in  connexion  u ith  our  miffion,  betides  the 
church  and  miffion  Itation  at  Rangoon  in  the  Bu  man 
empire. 

When  I firfl  arrived,  there  was  no  tranflation  of  the 
Bible  in  any  of  the  Indian  languages,  except  the  Tamul, 
fpoken  from  Madras  to  the  fouthern  extremity  ot  the 
peninfula.  The  whole  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  is  now 
publifhed  in  the  Bengalee  language  ; the  whole  New 
Teftament,  and  third  volume  of  the  Old  Teftament 
(Job — Canticles)  in  the  Oriffii  language';  and  the  whole 
New  Teftament  in  Sung-.krit.  Betides  tfcjs}  the  printing 


I 2C 


MISSIONARY  MAGAZINE. 


°f  the  prophetical  books  in  Ooriff  ifi begun  ; the  Sungs- 
krit  i,  primed  to  the  25th.  of  Exocus ; the  New  Tefta- 
inen',  to  the  8th.  chapter  of  Romans  in  Hindoofthannee, 
a;  d 10  the  end  of  John’s  gofpel  in  Mahratta  ; and  a be- 
einning of  pi  inting  the  Gujerattee,  the  language  of  the 
f'e.’ks  and  the  Chinefe  has  been  made.  The  whole  New 
Tcftament,  and  part  of  the  Old  is  tranflated  into  the 
Telinga  and  Kurnata  languages  ; hut  the  printing  mud 
be  dela)  .d,  ti  l we  can  get  types  call  for  them.  A tranf- 
iation  ol  1 h c New  Teftament  is  alfo  begun  in  the  Burman 
language,  to  which  we  hepe  foon  to  add  that  of  Thi- 
bet. 

In  Calcutta,  the  Lord  has  enabled  us  to  eredt  a decent 
place  of  worihip  70  feet  fquare,  including  a poitico  in 
front,  which,  however,  occupies  nearly  half  of  it.  The 
congregation  is  about  1 50  perfons.  Thofe  who  are  in 
church  fellowlhip  and  partake  of  the  Lord’s  fupper,  are 
about  50  ; and  I truil  the  life  of  religion  is  felt  among 
them.  Our  brother  Kriftno,  a Hindoo  minifter,  preach- 
es nearly  every  day  in  the  week  at  one  part  or  other  of 
the  town.  He  is  much  refpedted  by  his  brethren,  and 
owned  of  God.  The  church  at  Scrampore  is  one  with 
that  at  Calcutta  ; but  I am  not  able  to  recoiled!  the  num- 
ber. Brother  Chamberlain  is  with  the  church  at  Cut- 
wa.  He  lately  baptized  24  foldiers,  belonging  to  one 
European  regiment,  Stationed  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
that  place.  Brother  C Carapeit  Aratoon,  an  Armeni- 
an, called  to  the  miniflry  by  the  church  at  Calcutta,  is 
fettled  with  the  church  in  Jtflbre.  He  lately  baptized 
four  perfons.  The  church  confifts  of  15  or  16  perfons. 
Brother  Mardon  is  with  a fmall  church  at  Goamalte, 
where  he  has  baptized  four  or  five  perfons.  Brother 
Fernandez  is  with  the  church  at  Dinagepore.  He  late- 
ly baptized  fc ur  perfons.  The  church  confifts  of  10  or 
i 2 members  My  feconc!  fon  William  Carey,  is  fettled 


THE  LONDON  MISSIONARY  SOCIETY-  121 


at  Sademehl,  a few  miles  north  of  Dmagepore.  Broth- 
er Roiiinlon  has  left  Serampore  to  begin  a million  to 
Boutan  and  Thibet ; Brother  Moore  to  fet  up  a Ration 
near  Patna  ; ani  in  a few  days,  Brother  J 'ha  Peter,  an 
Armenian,  called  to  the  mini  fry  by  the  church  at  Cal- 
cutta, will  leave  this  for  Oorilft,  where  he  will  labour  to 
begin  a new  mtlion.  Brother  Ch  iter  and  my  el d e ft  lor, 
Felix  Carey,  are  fettled  in  ihe  mi.fi on  to  Rangoon  m 
the  Barman  empire,  where  there  is  a pleating  opening 
for  them. 

'They  are  flu  dying  the  language,  and  have  begun  to 
preach  to  the  Burm  ins. 

Tins  is  a fh  irt  fketch  of  the  pref’nt  fl  ite  of  tire  work 
of  God  among  us.  On  reviewing  ic,  L am  c mdraiaed 
to  rejoice  in  whit  the  Lord  has  wrought,  a ’.a  to  tru  c 
him  to  carry  on  his  work  to  .a  greater  extent. 

I trust  you  will  alfo  join  in  our  rejoicings,  and  slid 
to  it  your  prayers,  that  the  infant  caafe  in  India  m ty  be 
follereJ  by  the  gracious  care  of  God,  till  a little  one  be- 
come a ihoufmJ,  and  a l":n  ill  one  a great  nation. 

Accept  my  aflurances,  that  I am, 
alfe&ionucely  yours, 

VV.  Carey. 


The  London  Mijjionary  Society. 

THIS  society  was  inftituted  in  the  year  1795  ; which 
may  be  confidered  an  important  era  in  the  hiftory  of 
modern  millions.  At  the  firft  meeting  of  the  society 
two  hundred  minifters,of  diffierent  denominations,  met 
together,  and  with  unanimity  ‘tsolved,  “ to  send  mifli- 
onaries  to  Otaheite,  or  some  other  of  the  Bcuth-Sea 


1 


NEW  MISSIONS. 


1 Hands  ; and  that,  as  soon  ns  poffible,  a mifli  n fnould 
be  attempted  to  the  coatl  of  Africa,  or  to  Tartary,  by 
Adracan  ; or  to  Surat  on  the  Malabar  co.ift,  or  to  the 
lflmd  of.Sumatra,  orto  the  Pelevv  Iflands,  as  providence 
might  direct  ” 

These  exertions  of  the  society  have  been  made  infl.ru- 
ment  il  to  rouse  many  to  a spirit  of  competition  for  the 
extension  of  the  bidfings  of  the  Gnlpel-  Since  the 
society  was  organized  it  has  received  g eat  afliflin.ee 
Torn  the  public  : in  1796  its  funds  amounted  to  near 
twelve  thou  and  pounds.  This  year  the  society  pur- 
chased the  i'nip  DufiF,  on  board  of  which,  in  Auguft,  29 
mbTiona-.  ies  embai  bed  for  tiie  Jflands  in  the  south  seas. 
Nineteen  of  them  were  left  at  Ot:  heite,  nine  at  Tonga- 
taboo,  and  one  at  Marquesas.  In  the  following  Auguft 
1797,  fix  other  mifllonaries  were  sent  to  the  Foulah 
country  in  Africa.  In  December  following,  1798, 
feveral  others  were  sent  out,  who  were  taken  by  a 
French  privateer  and  never  reached  the  place  of  their 
destination.  This  year  eleven  of  the  mifllonaries  left 
Otaheite  and  went  to  New  Holland  ; the  society  also  sent 
Mr.  Kichercr,  Doctor  Vende rkemp,  Mr.  Edmund,  and 
Mr.  Edwards,  to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope. 

Evan.  Int.  vol.  i.  p.  13. 


New  MiJJior.s. 

INDIA. 

THE  Direflors  had  repeatedly  announced  their  ear- 
ned defires  to  rend  to  the  deluded  Millions  of  Afia  the 
giad  tidings  of  the  glorious  Gofpel,  whenever  the  Pi  ev- 
idence of  God  fnould  open  a way,  and  furnifh  fuitable 


NEW  MISSIONS. 


Hi 

Milfionaries  for  fuch  important  ftations  as  abound  in 
that  highly  civilized  part  of  thglobe  ; the  period  for  en- 
tering upon  this  interefting  fervice  at  length  arrived. 
Meffrs.  Ringeltaube,  Cran,  and  Des  Granges  were  ap- 
pointed to  a million  on  the  Coromandel  coaft.  Mr.  R. 
is  a native  of  Pruflia,  who  had  already  puffed  a fhort 
time  in  India,  and  has  fmce  held  his  principal  intercourfe 
with  the  United  Brethren  in  Europe.  Meffrs.  C.and  D. 
were  about  two  years  in  the  Society’s  feminary  at  Gof- 
port.  Thefe  Brethren  arrived  at  Tranquebar,  in  the 
month  of  Dec.  1804,  *n  company  with  the  Rev.  Mr. 
Vos,  and  Mr.  Ehrhardt,  deftined  for  Ceylon.  In  the 
inftruftions  given  to  them  by  the  Directors,  they  were 
recommended  to  form  one  Mitlionary  ftation  only,  and 
to  aft  together.  They  were  not,  however,  fo  entirely 
limited  to  this  point,  as  to  be  deprived  of  the  privilege 
of  judging  and  determining  othtrwife,  if  it  flioud  ap- 
pear to  them  neceff'.ry,  in  order  to  promote  more  exten- 
fively  the  intereflsof  the  great  caule  committed  to  their 
hands.  After  much  deliberation  and  prayer,  the  Breth- 
ren Cran  and  Des  Granges  were  inclined,  for  various 
reafons,  to  remove  from  Tranquebar  to  Madras,  with 
which  Mr.  Ringeltaube  acquiefced,  and,  in  March  1 805 
they  Oiled  for  M-»drus  On  their  a1  rival  they  were  re- 
ceo  ed  in  a n.oft  ffeftionate  manner  by  perlons  filling 
refpectubie  ftations  in  life.  By  the  advice  of  their  friends 
they  were  induced  to  fix  upon  a ftution  in  the  Northern 
Circars,  at  Vizagapatam. 

Mr.  Ringeltaubi  has  entered  on  a Million  in  the  Tin- 
eveily  Country,  fixing  his  relidence  at  Palamcotta.  The 
Direftors  have  authorized  him  to  engage  Mr.  Wheatly, 
a perfon  recommended  by  Mr.  R as  an  alTiftant  in  the 
Million,  and  have  alfo  placed  at  his  difpolal  a fum  of 
money  tor  the  purpofe  of  engaging  fuitable  Catechifts  ; 
or  to  adopt  fuch  other  meafurcs  as  may  appear beft  cal- 


124  NEW  MISSIONS. 

culateJ  to  advance  the  Redeemer's  inlereft  in  that  dis- 
trict. 

In  Jan.  1807,  Mr  John  Gordon,  and  Mr.  William 
Lee,  late  ftudents  at  the  feminary,  with  their  wives,  fail- 
ed in  an  American  (hip,  with  a view  of  joining  the  Breth- 
ren at  Vizagapatam. 


Ceylon. 

rfhe  attention  of  the  Society  was  long  fixed  on  this 
Ration.  It  was  ftiongly  recommended  to  their  notice 
by  the  late  highly  efteemed  Miflionary,  the  Rev  Mr. 
Gericke,  as  an  objeCt  of  the  firft  magnitude  : he  repre- 
fcnted,  that  the  natives  bearing  the  Chrillian  name  a* 
mounted  to  100,000,  and  had  been  for  feveral  years  def- 
titute  of  religious  inftruCtion,  and  were  fall  relapfing  in- 
to aftateof  heathenifm.  The  Directors  having  deter- 
mined on  a Million  to  this  iflind,  invited  the  Rev.  C. 
Vos  to  fuperintend  it  ; his  eminent  piety  and  tried  qua.li- 
fications,  pointed  him  out  as  a fit  perfon  for  this  work. 
Mr  Erhardt  and  Mr.  Palm,  two  German  Brethren,  who 
flu  died  at  the  Miflionary  Seminary  at  Berlin,  were  ap- 
poined  to  a fil'd  in  this  Million.  Mr  and  Mrs.  Vos,  and 
Mr.Ehthardt,  with  William  Read,  who  accompair.ed 
them  from  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  by  the  deiire  of  Mr. 
Vos  arrived  at  Ceylon  in  Jan.  1805.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Palm  having  been  detained  at  Copenhagen,  arrived  in 
July  following.  The  liberality  of  government  provides 
in  part  for  the  fuppo:  t of  each  of  thefe  Miflionaries. 

Surat. 

A memoir  having  been  prefented  by  one  of  the  Direct- 
ors, who  had  been  repeatedly  in  India,  recommending  to 
attention  of  the  Society  the  p >puiou » citv  of  Surat, 
45a  ihe  northern  part  of  the  ealtern  coa  t of  India,  above 


NEW  MISSIONS. 


12  s 


Bombay ; the  Dire&ors  were  fo  fullv  convinced  of  the 
eligibility  of  this  tation,  that  they  immediately  took  the 
fubje<fl  into  conlideration,  and  determined  on  a Million. 
Mr.  Taylor,  a iludent,  who  hod  been  for  fever  al  years 
under  the  care  of  the  Society  fir <1  at  Edinburg,  and  af- 
terwards at  Gofport,  appeared  to  the  D're'ftors  a fuitable 
perlbnto  be  employed  in  this  important  lervice,  having 
acquired  a confiderable  (hare  of  medical  knowledge,  and 
obtained  the  degree  of  do&orof  medicine.  Mr  faylor, 
and  Mr  Lovelef  , another  ftudent,  whofe  piety  and  tem- 
per p 'inted  him' out  as  well  adapted  to  the  fame  ftation, 
were  fnlemniy  fet  apart  to  M Ifionary  work  in  1804,  and 
fooh  after  embarked  in  an  American  vefi'el  for  Bengal. 
They  arrived  at  Madras  in  June,  1805  Dr  Taylor  vif- 
ited  the  Baptift  Miffionaries  at  Serampore,  in  order  to 
profit  by  their  knowledge  and  experience  in  the  Miffion- 
ary work,  from  whom  he  received  the  molt  cordial  and 
affe&ionate  attention  ; and  af;er  vifiting  other  places  in 
India  to  obtain  fuch  information  as  might  be  ufeful  to 
the  Society,  proceeded  to  the  place  of  his  dellination  in 
Augufi,  1 8o6,  leaving  Mr.  L ivekfs  to  preach  in  the 
Black-  Town  at  Madras,  at  the  exprefsdefirs  of  the  friends 
in  that  city,  fo  long  as  he  can  be  l'pared  from  the  Million 
or  until  he  is  replaced  by  a fuitable  Mffiionarv  from  Eu- 
rope. 

China. 

The  immenfe  population  of  China,  and  the  dep’ora- 
ble  darknefs  by  which  it  is  enveloped,  render  a Miffionary 
undertaking  to  that  vail  empire  an  O'jetf  of  unequalled 
magnitude  and  importance  This  conlideration  indu- 
ced the  Diredtors  to  refolve  on  attempting  the  tr infla- 
tion of  the  Holy  Scriptures  into  the  Chinefe  language, 


W.  T.  RINGELTAUBE’S 


126 


as  a meafure  preparatory  to  the  introduttion  of  a Mis'* 
fion  to  that  empire. 

Mr.  Robert  Morrison,  an  accepted  Miffionary,  having 
been  deemed  a fuitable  perfon  for  this  Ration,  his  ftud- 
ies,  under  the  Rev.  Mr-  Bogue,  were  directed  to  a pre- 
paration for  fo  important  an  Undertaking  He  was  al- 
fo  for  a confiderable  time  affifted  in  London  by  Yong 
Saam  Tak,  a native  of  China,  whom  rhe  Society  engag- 
ed for  this  purpofe,  in  learning  the  Cbinefe  language  ; . 

and  in  tranfcribing  a Harmony  of  the  gofpels,  and  other 
parts  of  the  New  Teftmaent,  from  a manulcript  copy  in 
the  Britilh  Mufeum.  Mr  Morrifon’s  Audits  were  like- 
wife  dire&edto  the  mathematics,  and  aftronomy.  under 
a fuitable  tutor  ; and  he  aifo  attended  on  the  leisures  at 
the  Royal  Inftitution  This  courfe  of  lludies  was  deter- 
mined upon,  in  cot  fcquence  of  fome  valuable  informa- 
tion the  Direftors  received  from  a very  inte’igent  and  rc- 
fpedt.ble  perfon  who  had  rdidcd  fome  time  at  Macao, 
and  who  appears  to  be  well  acquainted  with  the  difpoft- 
tions  and  manners  of  the  Chinefe  Mr  Morrifon  embar-  \ 
ked  in  January,!  807,  with  the  intention  of  proceeding  to 
Canton. 

Mifs.  Trans,  vol  iii  p.  4. 


Extratt  of  a Letter  from  the  Mijfionary , Brother 
IV.  T.  Ringeltaubc , to  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Miffioiary  Society 


Tranque’oar,  Jar..  29,  1805. 

Dear  Sir, 

ON  the  i2thof  December,  1804;  I had  the  pleafure 
of  fending  you  a few  lines,  via  Bengal,  in  which  I men- 
tioned our  iafe  arrival  at  this  place,  Dec.  6.  Since  this 


LETTER. 


W 

Mrs  Vofs  his  been  removed  to  another  world,  and  the 
Brethren  deftincd  for  Ceylon  had  let  Ail. 

I am  now  enabled  to  yive  you  a pretty  exaft  account 
of  the  (late  of  matters  here,  and  I am  h.'ppy  to  think, 
that  it  will  afford  you  fome  fati  if  action.  You  will  nat- 
urally alk,  what  have  the  Old  Miflionaries  effected  ? 
1 anfwer,  much  every  wry. 

I wave  what  they  have  done  with  regard  to  Europe- 
ans arid  Portugueze  in  the  country  ; and  confine  mvf  lf 
to  their  labours  among  the  M-dabars.  They  hive  print- 
ed two  editions  of  the  Scriptures,  of  which  the  M »dr,is 
transition  by  M:  Fabricius  has  the  preference,  for  bd- 
ing  the  more  inteli gib  e.  Excellent  coiledtior.s  of  Hymns, 
Catechifms,  Extracts  from  rhe  word  of  God  ; Religious 
Tracts  the  growth  of  Indian  foil  ; Tianfiitions  of  .'irndt, 
Kempis,  Bunyan,  lefs  calculated  to  meet  the  ideas  of  an 
Eaft  Indian,  and  therefi  re  iefs  known  ; Grammars,  Dic- 
tionaries, and  fpelling-Books,  hive  fucceeded  the  Bible. 
Many  good  Schools  have  been  eftaOlilhed,  and  if  the 
country  of  Tar.jore  is  not  entirely  covered  with  them  ac- 
cording to  a plan  laid  down  by  Dr.  John,  nothing  has 
prevented,  humanly  fpeaking,  the  completion  of  fo  good 
a work,  but  the  nnfeafonable  removal  of  the  late  Collect- 
or. The  plan,  however,  feems  not  to  be  entirely  frus- 
trated, and  it  may  be,  that  your  M fiionaries  will  be  cal- 
led upon  to  take  an  active  ihare  in  it,  if  willing  to  be 
thus  engaged.  Finally,  Congregations  of  Chriftians 
both  fmall  and  great  have  been  gathered  in  different 
parts ; being  under  the  care  of  European  Miflionaries, 
or  Country  Priefts,  and  in  all  thefe  congregations  Divine 
Truth  is  taught ; its  power  frequently  felt,  and  its  pre- 
cepts followed.  The  very  Heathen  have  acquired  an 
historical  knowledge  of  the  outlines  of  the  Gofpel  ; allow 
the  fuperiority  of  our  religion,  and  fecretly  defpife,  and 
negleit  their  own  way  of  worlhip.  Were  it  not  for  the 


128 


W.  T.  RINGALTAUBE'S 


rich  endowments  of  the  temples  of  Satan,  they  would, 
by  this  time,  have  crumbled  into  the  dull,  as  fome  fmal- 
ler  ones  have  done  already.  It  is  a fact,  that  their  l'acri- 
fices  are  at  prefent  much  more  fcaniy  than  formerly. 

If  the  millionaries  have  not  done  more,  itisbecaufe 
they  are  too  few  in  number,  and  alfo  becaufe  they  are  too 
flenderly  fupported  by  fuitable  men  and  pecuniary  fup- 
plies  from  home.  Otherwife,  no  doubt,  a greater  num- 
ber of  Country  Priefts  might  be  employed  ; every  one 
of  whom  receives  a monthly  fulary  of  5,  or  6 (tar  pago- 
das. and  cannot  do  with  lefs  if  he  has  a family.  It  is 
true  their  refources  are  confiderable  in  valuable  grounds 
and  buildings  raifed  with  European  money.  Belides 
their  falaries  and  emoluments,  the  Mtlionaries  poflels 
confiderable  legacies,  left  by  two  of  their  Brethren, 
whom  the  Lord  had  blefled  with  temporal  wealth.  But 
not withdanding  thefe  helps,  their  plan,  as  long  as  it  is 
confined  to  the  prefent  means,  admits  of  no  further  ex- 
tenfion.  — Whether  your  Millionaries  will  be  capable  of 
managing  the  concerns  of  the  Kingdom  of  Chr  ifl  on  a 
more  frugal  plan,  is  a problem  which  nothing  but  expe- 
rience can  folve 

But  I mull  fhorten  my  remarks  cn  this  fubjeft,  and 
therefore  beg  leave  to  wave  fome  obfervations  on  the  ap- 
parent plans  of  the  million.  The  mod  prominent  feem 
to  be,  the  want  of  a good  Church  difeipline,  and  Chrift- 
ian  fellowship  among  tils  believers  , too  g: eat  apropor- 
tion  of  Preachers  that  are  llrangers  to  the  energy  of  the 
Gofpel  ; and  laflly,  too  drift  an  adherence  to  the  modes 
of  an  edablilhment.  Notwithdanding  this,  the  Old 
Million  is  a noble  fabric,  whether  confidered  in  itfelf,  or 
as  a ground  work  for  a future  fuperftiufture.  Dr.  John 
fays,  very  pioperly,  in  my  opinion,  that  the  Gofpel  was 
not  more  fecurely  eftabliflted  at  Rome  after  an  hundred 
years  preaching,  than  it  is  now  in  India.  But  this  no- 
ble building  is  at  prefent  nearly  at  a Hand  for  want  of 


LETTER. 


12, 

hands.  In  ten  years  hence  r.ot  one  of  the  prefent  Mif- 
ftonaries  may  he  alive,  in  al!  human  probability.  The 
Old  Society,  in  London,  I urderftand  have  given  direc- 
tions to  that  great  Chriftian  Philosoph  r,  Do  Luc,  at 
Gottingen  to  look  out  for  Mulionaries,  and  you,  as  well 
as  we,  thall  rejoice  if  he  fiids  any;  let  us  pray  that  he 
may.  The  numerous  congregations  in  'he  South,  raif- 
ed  by  Father  Gerickc,  previous  to  h's  death,  tongrega- 
tions,  which  pcrfecution  could  not  foake,  begio  already 
to  difperie  lor  want  of  a Shepherd.  Thefe  chtifly  call 
for  yout  and  our  attention,  o-d  all  the  Miffionaries  here, 
ever,  our  adverfaries  in  the  Gofpel,  urge  them  upon  our 
m ill  immediate  notice. 

Here  I Ihould  bring  in  a defeription  of  our  fitumioO 
in  this  country  ; but  it  would  be  wafting  time,  as  you 
know  all  that  is  favourable  , from  our  letter  to  the  Di- 
rectors, as  well  as  from  thatol  thetw<.  Brethren,  C.  andD. 
G.  to  me,  which  1 take  the  liberty  to  tnclofe,  you  will 
lean  , that  feme  favourable  appearances  at  Madras  buoy 
up  their  minds  with  a lively  hope,  that  much  may  be 
done  there  which  could  not  be  done  here,  and  that  ac- 
cording to  our  written  iriftruCtions,  they  would  not  have 
confidered  hemfeivc-s  as  doing  their  duty  if  they  had 
not  gone  hither.  As  fonn  as  I (tm  fufficiently  advan- 
ced inth-  language,  I mean  to  proceed  tothe  Southward, 
if  the  Lord  please,  knowing  of  what  importance  for 
our  Society  it  is,  that  we  iliould  meet  with  a fpeedy 
fu.ccess  ; and  there,  beheld  the  fields  are  white  for  the 
harveft.  I could  add  many  reasons  for  inducing  me  to 
flay  (during  my  preparatory  teason ) at  this  place,  and 
all  I requeft  is,  that,  if  the  Madias  Million  turns  out 
well,  the  two  younger  Brethren  fh  uld  have  all  the 
praise. 

1 submit  to  your  wisdom,  whether  Tranquebar 
would  not  be  a»  advantageous  maritime  Ration  (such 
acne  we  muft  have  for  foi warding  letters,  remittan- 
ces-, &c.)  and  for  preparing  young  miflionaries. 


LETTER. 


heahliy,  cheap,  quiet  place,  where 
r i.i  •■'tuft  their  at  ten-,  ion  from  their 

f 'r?s  . • y will  meet  wbh  real  friends 

i pms.  .t i.2 died  to  tr.e  Million  ; where  Ger- 

i -'•<  ( -n  i some  Gr'tHan  Brethren  at  leait  you 

1/  ritnt  to  time  send  out)  will  find  teachers 

v to  innruct  them  to  their  advantage 

{•  . in  rives : and  fn.m  whence  finally  they 

v -..sy  accefs  to  any  part  of  the  country 

v r.  ui  is  fpoken.  In  case  you  approve  of 

r pie  :e  to  write  two  letters,  No.  1,  to  Count 

c .ix'.e'.man  M ni iter  to  the  King  of  Denmark,  and 
FrMir.nt  to  the  Board  of  Coloniel  Trade.  No.  2, 
a Liter  to  BifhopBalle,  a Bilhop  worthy  of  his  name 
and  rank  in  the  Church  of  Chrift,  and  head  of  the 
Miffionary  Board  at  Copenhagen,  fignifying  your  in- 
tentions and  intreating  their  function. 

Thirdly,  I also  sugged,  that  without  delay  you  fhould 
think  of  fending  out  more  Millenaries  hither  ; and  I 
would  entreat  you  would  be  pleased  to  send  me  the 
two  Brethren  Wiefinger,  :nd  Zwar,  from  Berlin  ; but 
never  send  a Miffin'’  y here  that  is  paft  thirty  years 
of  age,  except  he  fh<  uldbeascholar.  Yeung  and  able  men 
are  requilite  in  this  0 ux  try  You  might  put  the  two 
above  mentioned  Brethren  for  a year  or  two  in  Mr. 
Bogue’s  excellent  Seminary.  What  he  has  effected  in 
teaching  others,  fills  me  with  high  efLein  for  him.  Ber- 
lin mayfurniih  fuitable  Mifikna.’ies  for  Hottentots  and 
Caffrees.  but  the  civilized  natives  of  Innia,  require  men 
of  liberal  education,  and  general  knowledge.  An  ac- 
quaintance with  Botany,  Mineralogy,  &c.  will  recorn- 
m n-.i  them  highly  in  this  country 

Please  to  remember  us  all  in  your  prayers,  and  present 
my  hen  reipecto  to  ail  the  director;,  especially  Dr. 
Haweis  ; Mr.  Cowie  ; Rev.  Messrs.  Border,  Townsend 
and  family  ; MetTrs.  Waugh,  Rowland  Hill,  Mr.  Buck 


A LETTER. 


and  all  others  who  were  pleased  to  take  notice  of  me. 
A/lure  them  of  my  devorednefs  to  cur  common  cause. 

I Remain  &c. 

W.  T.  RINGELTAUBE. 

Miss.  Trans,  vol.  ii.  p.  405. 


" The  Miffionaries  at  Serampore  to  Mejrs.  Cran 
and  Desgranges. 

“ VERY  DEAR  BRETHREN, 

that  I'T*  lave  §,ven  us  raore  pleafure  than 

'hich  we  have  been  favoured  by  you.  We 

anTS  a?  T T y°Ur  fafe  arrival  in  this  ™untry  ; 
dined  von  X *”  ank  °ur  gracious  Lord,  that  he  has  in- 
fafelv  h 1 US  t0  devote  your  lives  to  his  fervice,  and 
eo  ZfX  “ght  yf,U  hither-  We  truft  that  he  will  now 
fhall  ^ ou’  ?nd  dwe<5t  your  way  in  luch  a manner  as 

titudes  a anCe  and  fecure  the  converfion  of  mul- 

tudes  among  thefe  poor  benighted  heathen. 

!v  off-r  nfCept  W'tht^'  moi^/U'lCere  pleafure  your  friend- 
be  a mean  C°f  'n  Ponc|ence>  aud  pray  God  that  it  may 
Lord  V*  °f  ?rf?£then5n*  each  other’s  hands  in  the 
relbondp  °Ur  ? !nd‘an  franknefs  in  thus  feeking  a cor- 
hoL  rlfol  W'i  US’  exciles  >.n  onr  minds  the  pleafing 
ordinane  R<r  ,ldeI,eriCe  of  opinion  refolding  any  of  the 
our  chJ-  °^t  Gofpel  will  be  permitted  to  interrupt 
that  norb'an  Urnu0n  fnd  fel.lowlhiP-  We  humbly  hope 

beg  you  ;oSbe°  5ru  l'nclwi11  ever  arife  cn  our  part’ and 
us  ini  be /ffured,  that  your  affedtion  is  returned  by 

:l:i,an  ^ual  deSree._  We  intreat  then,  very  dear  Broth. 

. > a y oil  will  write  in  the  moll  frank  and  unrelerv* 

M 


'32 


I XT.  ercm  t he  JOUR  cf  MESSRS. 


eel  manner,  vr.d  permit  us  tc  participate  in  your  joys  and 
} ir  knows,  that  by  mutual  fjmpathy  and  mutual 

0 vnf  Vc  may  animate  each  other  in  the  work  of  the 

1 oid.  We  eainefliy  rcqueft  an  intereft  in  your  prayers. 

' ■ lie  he  ur  from  feven  to  eight,  every  Yuefchy-morning 
we  oedicate  to  fpcial  fupplication  on  behalf  cf  the  hea- 
then in  India.  Sin  uk!  it  be  fuitable  and  agreeable  to 
ccdicate  tb;  t portion  of  time  to  the  fame  purpofe,  the  re- 
collection that  we  are  joined  by  dear  Brethren  in  the 
fame  o ercife  and  at  the  lame  infiant  (though  Providence 
denies  us  the  enjoyment  of  their  bodily  prefence)  may 
often  ferve  to  revive  our  fpirits  and  animate  our  hepe. 
The  epiitle  with  which  we  have  been  favoured  by  your 
Society,  we  confider  as  a frelh  proof  of  their  chrilli  n 
candor  towards  us.  We  cannot  but  hope  that  the  1 otd 
is  on  his  way  to  fubdue  to  himfelf  not  only  die  heathen 
in  India,  but  all  the  nations  now  groaning  under  the  ty- 
ranny of  Satan-  May  it  lie  granted  to  you  and  to  us 
fpeedily  to  behold  his  victoiies  in  the  lend.  Airudtl 
the  difeouragements,  with  which  we  mud  unavoidably 
meet,  let  us  lecolledt,  that  He  who  is  all-Jujjicient  is  in- 
finitely more  interefted  in  the  work  than  we  are.  That 
his  prefence  may  be  cor.ftantly  with  you  is  the  earned 
prayer  of,  dear  Brethren,  yours  in  our  common  Lud. 
March  tub,  1805. 

(Signed  by  all  the  Miffb-naries.  ”) 

Milt.  Imrans,  vol.  ii.  p.  3 64. 


“ Exlracl  from  ike  Journal  cf  Meffrs.  Cran  and 
Def granges. 

WE  cannot  elefe  this  journal,  dear  fathers  and  breth- 
en,  without  laying  before  you  the  importance  of  the  fit- 
uation  in  which  we  are  r laced,  and  earneltly  ir.treating 


you  to  find  out  more  M;  (lion  arias  to  affi  t ns.  Tn  tae 
towa  where  we  re'iJe,  there  are  above  twenty  thou  land 
inhabit  .nts  perifhing  for  lack  of  kn  wledge.  W thin  i 
few  miles  of  us  oi  all  (id  s,  the.  e are  nu. abets  of  large 
villages  where  thoalands  of  i ea  h.nsli/e  i-.i  tlie  gi’oile  t 
idolatry,  and  who  claim  our  pity  a id  c •mpain  m.  i'hr; 
p' ice  is  neatly  central,  which  makes  i mod  f-ivourab'e 
tor  branching  out  into  any  part  of  the  Circar  s.  We 
j have  hundreds  of  miles  right  and  ieit  of  as,  where  we  m ;y 
labour  with  freedom,  iki  ig  on  the  c 'ad,  and  contin- 
u iliy  cooled  by  the  fra  breeze,  makes  this  cay  a u:  i- 
brious  ilation  for  Mifiionaries  on  their  fir  ft  entr^nc  ■ in- 
to the  country.  A European  going  in;  > the  interior 
of  India,  immediately  alter  his  mniv.il  is  V-Kt.y  to  iiave 
his  constitution  impaired  ; but  by  h tong  the  rnnnrnary 
Ilation  on  the  coad,  they  will  ne:  .lTarily  be  detained 
there  a year  or  more  in  learning  the  language,  rea  ch, 
will  tend  to  inure  them  to  the  climate,  without  endan- 
gering their  health.  While  they  are  attaining  the  lan- 
guage, they  may  alfo  be  very  ufeful  by  preaching  in 
Eugiifh,  teaching  fchools,  and  other  nrfi  jnary  employ- 
ments, which  will  relieve  thofe  Mitlionaries,  who  hive 
attained  the  language,  and  enable  them  to  itinerate 
through  the  whole  cf  the  Circars  ; a’ to  at  Hydrabad, 
Golconda,  and  Bengalore,  where  the  I’elinga  language 
is  fpoken.  This  fpot  is  not  lefs  favourable  for  entering 
the  Cattack  and  Mahratta  countries.  We  underidand 
that  there  is  but  little  difference  in  the  languages.  The 
Mahratta  country  appears  to  us  a molt  important  field 
for  miffionary  exertions.  On  this  account  we  rejoice 
that  a million  is  about  to  be  eftabliihed  at  Surat.  Our 
oppofite  flotations  will  afford  an  opportunity  lor  M'ffion- 
aries  being  fent  fiom  both  flations  into  the  Mahratta 
country.  Thefe  may  meet  each  other  in  the  center  and 
bid  God  fpeed  : it  is  not  many  days  journey  from  hence. 

“ Glorious  things  are  fpoken  of  the  city  of  God. 
' Z ion  fhall  break  forth  on  the  right  hand  and  on  the 


»34 


EXT.  FROM  THE  JOUR.  &c 


left.”  When  we  read  the  animating  profpeds  piefent- 
•d  to  us  in  the  facred  Scriptures,  of  the  whole  world  be- 
coming fi.bjedts  of  Chrift’s  kingdom,  we  are  fure  that 
we  are  not  ftraitened  in  God  ; and  therefore,  it  would 
be  finful  to  be  ftraitened  in  our  ownfouls.  We  are  aware 
that  the  converfion  of  the  people,  in  the  extenfive  coun- 
tries we  hope  to  traverfe,  will  not  be  the  work  of  a day, 
but  of  years : to  accomplifh  a work  of  years  the  Mis- 
fionary  fociety  was  founded  ; and  we  doubt  not,  if  pref- 
ent  advantages  be  embraced  with  fuffieient  energy,  that 
many  of  its  members  will  live  to  lee  the  blefled  day  when 
the  Sun  of  Righteoulru-fs  (hall  fhine  with  fuch  refulgent 
glory  on  the  millions  of  inhabitants  of  India,  as  wholly 
to  difpel  the  dark  clouds  of  idolatry,  which  at  prefent 
ovoi  lliadow  them,  to  difFufe  among  them  an  unfpeaka- 
ble  meafure  of  the  light  of  the  glorious  grfpel.  But 
more  MdFionaries  are  wanted  : our  number  is  fmall. 
While  we  are  laying  the  foundation,  we  truii  our  fiiends 
•in  England  will  not  delay  to  lend  out  numbers  to  raife 
the  fnperiiiucture  of  a work,  in  the  acccmplilhment  of 
whi: h God  the  Father,  our  Saviour,  the  Holy  Spirit, 
and  all  ••>:;'>  bear  the  image  of  God,  arc  li<  deeply  inter- 
c'ied.  Wi-uiJ  to  God  that  all  the  minifters  in  our  na- 
tive -oiintry,  the  lludents  at  the  diiFerent  femmaries, 
and  .ire  religious  public,  pouid  fee  what  we  fee,  and  hear 
whi:  we  hear.  Every  man  they  .beheld  bowing  to  a 
ft ock  of  woo  1 < r Uoi.e,  would  be  an  argument  to  come 
o ei  to  India  and  help  us.  1 he  horrid  noife  of  thou- 
1. aids  of  idoF.t  is  at  the  celebration  of  their  fcllivals, 
vo.i  a found  like  thu:  der  in  their  ears.  “ Iialle.haile 
to  <iie  help  < f the  Loid  againft  the  mighty.”  And 
thofe  v ho  could  net  taemfelves  come,  would  have  the 
iunni  er  and  ai do-ur  id  their  addreifes  to  the  throne  cf 
grace  u r ended  an  hundred  fold. 

“ Not  doubting  but  your  /.cal  for  the  glory  < f God 
vvi.l  actuate  you  to  take  our  fituation  into  your  molt  le- 
xions  confn  :eratlon.  and  to  fend  out  more  labourers  into 


this  promifing  harveft  ; We,  with  the  greateft  pleafure, 
dear  Fathers  and  Brethren,  fubfcribe  ourfelves  your  very 
fincere,  very  affectionate  Brethren,  and  fellow -labour- 
ers in  Chiift, 

“ GEORGE  CRAN, 

“ AUGUSTUS  DESG RANGES. 

Mifs.  Trans,  vol.  ii.  p 402 


Mr.  Palm  to  the  Society. 

jaffnapatnam,  Feb  26,  S.S06. 

WORTHY  BRETHREN  IN  OUR  LORD  JESUS  CHRIST, 

THE  former  letters  v/rit-en  to  you  from  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope,  as  alfj  from  Tranquebar,  I hope  you  have 
received  ; I have  now  the  happinefs  to  inform  you  of 
my  arrival  at  Jaffna,  the  place  o'  my  deftination.  On 
the  2 1 !t  of  July  we  arrived,  where  his  Excellency  Gover- 
nor North  had  appointed  us  to  relide,  and  began  our 
Mdfionary  work. 

Without  lofs  of  time  we  had  began  the  (ludy  of  the 
Malabar  language  at  Tranquebar,  and  refumed  it  again, 
fince  our  gracious  Lord  has  brought  us  to  the  long 
wifhed  for  place  of  our  deftination.  By  the  blefling  of 
God,  I am  advanced  fo  far  in  the  Malabar,  as  to  begin 
to  fpeak  it  a little  ; and  1 am  ab'e  to  exercife  rr.ylelf  in 
converfing  with  fame  children  by  way  of  catechizing. 
This  method  i find  very  advantageous. 

As  foon  as  we  are  more  perfedt  in  this  language,  it 
is  our  intention  to  proceed  further,  into  the  interior  of 
the  ifland  either  in  the  diftrict  cf  J=ffru  or  "in  the  Wan- 
my,  which  is  on  the  borders  of  the  C inga  eze  country* 
in  order  to  be  entirely  amongd  the  Heathens.  We  arc, 
indeed,  already  furrounded,  with  native,  as  veil  as  bap- 
tized Heathens  ; but  they  have  become  nr  re  and  more 
depraved,  fince  a new  Heathen  temple  (hall  a mile  from 
Jiff nap atnam ) has  been, built  by  a rich  MJabar  named, 


1 $6  MR  PALM  TO  THE  SOCIETY. 


Wite’ing,  who  has  fpent  many  thoufands  of  Rix  dollars 
on  it,  and  has  then;  eveiy  day  mu(ic,  dancing,  and  fing- 
ing;  and  alfo  maintains  a great  many  people  and  prieils, 
both  male  and  female,  who  belong  to  this  temple  — 
This  is  a great,  allurement  for  thefe  people,  who  are  fo 
wrapt  up  in  this  difgraceful  folly,  that  they  will  not  hear 
of  another  religion,  particularly  as  the  Chriftian  religion 
was  formerly  promoted  amongft  them  in  fuch  a manner, 
that  they  were  obliged  to  adopt  baptifui,  and  were  forced 
to  pay  for  that  as  well  as  marriage,  &c  to  the  Dutch 
minifters  ; this  they  did  not  like,  and  as  they  never  learn- 
ed the  value  of  the  Gofpel,  it  is  very  natural  that  in 
their  hearts  they  fhould  Hill  remain  Heathens.  I have 
twice  travelled  in  this  difhiiSt  of  Jaffna,  about  fix  or  (ev- 
en Dutch  miles,  to  look  fra  place  for  fixing  a Million- 
ary  Station  ; by  this  opportunity  I fpoke  with  the  na- 
tives about  our  holy  religion,  pat  t.icularly  of  the  differ- 
ence between  true  and  nominal  Chiiitians.  The  Mani- 
kar,  or  captain  cf  a village,  feemed  to  he  a fenfible  nan 
andfaid  if  they  were  inftnnfted  in  the  Chritlian  religion, 
they  fhould  think  themfelves  happy  ; but  they  had  al- 
ways had  to  pay  money  to  the  Dutch  priefts,  and  not 
only  to  them,  hut  alfo  to  others,  who  they  brought  with 
them ; and  added,  that  their  fchooimafter  taught  them 
only  fome  queftions  and  ar.fwers,  without  explaining 
them,  and  then  infbudfed  ihe  children  to  read  a little 
Malabar,  for  which  they  pay  fo  much  money,  and  for 
everything  elfe  they  wanted  ; and  that  all  eh  is  was  a 
hard  burden  to  them.  I told  them  by  an  interpreter, 
that  I would  not  do  fo  ; but  that  my  intention  was  to 
teach  them  the  way  of  falvation,  out  of  love  to  my  Re- 
deemer Jefus  Chrill  ; and  out  of  love  to  their  f -uls  which 
are  dear  to  him,  for  that  he  fhed  his  blood  for  the  fins 
of  the  world  ; and  it  is  his  divine  will  to  declare  this, 
that  they  may  become  partakers  of  his  great  falvation. 
I feel  much  love  for  this  people,  and  I perceive  that  they 
are  well  inclined  to  me  ; they  brought  fowls,  eggs,  milk, 
butter,  and  fruits.-  of  which  I took  as  much  as  i wanted 


MR.  PALM  TO  THE  SOCIETY.  13 7 

and  paid  for  them  ; the  reft  I returned,  and  thanked 
them  for  their  kinduefs,  alluring  them  that  I was  fully 
fatisfied  and  contented.  I then  left  them  with  my  heart 
alfeifted,  and  praying  that  the  Lord  might  blefs  the 
means,  and  turn  them  from  darknefs  to  light,  and  from 
the  power  of  Satan  unto  God’s  dear  Son. 

Since  we  have  been  at  Jalfnapatnam  learning  the  Mal- 
abar language,  we  have  endeavoured  to  be  ufeful,  by 
the  affiftance  of  God,  to  the  Cnriftians,  as  much  as  our 
time  and  abilities  would  afford  On  Sabbath-days  I 
preach  in  the  Dutch  church,  once  for  the  Dutch,  and 
another  Sabbath  day  for  the  German  Chritb  in9.  Every 
Tuefday -evening,  1 keep  a meeting  in  Dutch,  when  the 
Chriftians  in  great  number  attend  ; and  every  Wednes- 
day I have  catechizing  with  children  ; and  fhis  is  a great 
bleffing  to  my  own  heart,  as  I experience  the  divine  af- 
fiitance  ; and  the  defue  of  the  people  is  that  they  may 
hear  the  word  of  God,  and  be  laved.  Every  ft.  t Mon- 
day in  the  month,  we  keep  the  Miffinnary  Prayer-meet- 
ing ; the  people  alfo  a'teod  in  great  numbers,  audit  is 
acc^mpained  with  a particular  bleffing — Pney  acknowl- 
edge their  great  negle«5t,  in  that  as  Chriftians  '.hey  hith- 
erto have  not  fo  done  their  duty,  as  to  edify  the  Heathen, 
who  furround  them. 

Mrs.  Palm  keeps  a meeting  every  Thurfday,  in  com- 
pany with  fome  ladies  and  feveral  fimale  friends  ; they 
read  and  confer  together,  and  on  Sundays  fhe  has  a cate- 
chizing for  children  of  her  own  fex,  relative  to  the  His- 
tory of  the  Bible.  This  is,  beiides  the  ftuiy  of  the  Mal- 
abar language,  our  delightful  occupation — may  God 
fo  blefs  his  word,  that  many  may  with  us,  become  par- 
takers of  that  eternal  falvation,  meiited  by  our  dear 
Lord  Jefus  Chrift. 

Mifs.  Trans,  vol.  ii.  p.  453 


138  EXT.  trom  the  REPORT  or  the  DIRECT. 

Ext  raft  from  the  Report  of  the  Direftors. 

IN  our  laft  report,  it  was  mentioned  that  Mr.  Rin- 
gletaube,  who  had  refided  chiefly  at  Tranquebar,  in  or- 
der to  attain  a competent  knowledge 'of  the  Tamoul 
language,  had,  after  much  deliberation,  and  earned 
prayer  for  divine  guidance,  concluded  to  go  to  the  king- 
dom of  Travancore,  ,.nd  the  Tinevehy  country,  forming 
the  fsuth  wettern  ex  rerr.ity  of  the  penintula  ; with  a 
view  to  help  the  dc.fi  irate  congregations  of  nominal 
Chriftians  in  that  territory,  as  well  as  to  attempt  to 
diffuse  the  knowledge  of  falvation  among  their  heathen 
neighbours. 

For  the  laft  fix  months,  he  had  hern  preaching  Chrift 
to  multitudes  in  an  Indian  tongue  ; bad  traveled  up- 
wards of  a thoufand  miles,  tionr  congregation  to  congre- 
gation ; and  baptized  m..ny  adults,  befides  the  children 
of  prof,  fling  parents  : made  a journey  through  Ti  .rvan- 
core  and  Cochin;  aid  with  much  difficulty  obtained, 
through  the  help  of  an  Engliffi  officer  of  rar.k,  perrnif- 
flon  trom  the  king  of  Travancore,  to  introduce  chriilian- 
ity  into  hio  capital  and  dominions.  He  had  two  young 
nun  under  him  whom  he  was  training  for  preaching 
the  g fpc-1,  with  the  mod  plea  ling  p>  c.fpc«fly  of  their  future 
ut.  iuinefs  ; >nd,  upon  th  whole,  he  writes  that  “ he  had 
“ reafon  to  blefs  the  Lord  ot  the  harveft  that  he  had  gra- 
“ cicully  owned  tiis  feeble  labours.”  He  propofes  to 
the  f'cicty  to  build  a church,  with  a dwelling  house  at 
Travancore,  the  expenfe  of  which  he  eft’m.rtes  at  only 
iccl  fo  plentiiul  are  materials,  and  fo  cheap  is  labour 
in  that  country  ; and  to  inftilute  a feminary  for  twelve 
youthc  to  be  inft:u<5F°d  and  employed  when  fitted  for 
the  work  : the  annual  expend*  of  each  he  dates  at  i 8 ftar 
pagodas,  in  all.  a; rt,  qual  to  82/  per  annum  ; and  he 
feems  to  think  this  a preferable  pLn  to  having  nriflion- 
at  ies  from  Germany,  on  account  of  the  time  and  expenfe 
incurred  by  the  Fitter,  befote  they  can  engage  in  nfffion- 
ary  labours  in  the  native  languages. 


FROM  THE  CHRIST.  MAGAZINE.  *39 

He  conceives  the  wild  places  and  diftrifts  he  has  trav- 
ersed, afford  more  promiftng  fields  of  miffionary  la- 
bour, than  the  large  cowns  in  which  many  Europeans 
reffile,  as  their  example  is  baneful,  while  the  idolatrous 
juperftitions  of  die  natives  are  more  powerfully  eftab- 
liffied  and  firengthened  alfo,  by  the  vicious  lives  of  thofe 
who  are  chriltians  only  in  name. 

Our  authority,  fent  him  laft  year,  will  enable  him,  we 
hope,  to  commence  his  plan  of  eftablilhing  a feminity  ; 
and  we  trull  our  next  accounts  will  confirm  our  confi- 
"nce  in  his  talents,  and  exhibit  the  power  and  grace  of 
God  operating  by  hirn  in  the  diffufion  of  the  pure  gof- 
of  Chrift  in  thofe  countries,  which  he  has  chofen  as 
the  fcene  of  his  miffionary  labours. 

Evan.  Int.  vol.  iii.  p.  282 


From  the  Chrifliari s Magazine . 

New-York , April  28,  1807. 

On  Monday,  the  twentieth  inft.  arrived  at  this  place 
in  the  Ship  Remittance  f'cm  London,  alter  a pallage 
or  feventy  nine  days,  the  Rev.  Mellrs.  Morrifon,  Lee  and 
Gordon,  miffionaries  from  the  London  Miffionary  Soci- 
ety to  the  Sail  Indies-  The  deftination  of  the  fiirfl  of 
these  Gentlemen  is  Canton  ; of  the  other  two,  who  are 
accompanied  by  their  Ladies,  Madras.  Through  the 
goodness  of  divine  Providence,  they  have  been  preserved 
amidll  the  difficulties  of  a moll  wearisome  and  tempes- 
tu  us  voyage  ; and  landed  in  health  and  fpirits. 

I : is  a lource  of  pure  and  sacred  pleasure,  to  fee  the 
faces  of  those  who  polfefs  enough  of  the  spirit  of  mar- 
tyrdom, to  forego  all  the  comforts,  which  they  might 
enjoy  in  the  bolom  of  their  friends  and  the  lap  cl 
earthly  profperity,  for  the  purpofe  of  diffufing  among 


HO  A LETTER.  TO  MR.  RALSTON. 


the  periling  Pagans  the  Knowledge  of  Jesus  and  of 
the  Resurredlion.  We,  who  enjoy,  without  inuriuption, 
in  the  midft  cf  repofe  and  of  peace  ; the  gofpel  of  life 
and  immortality,  ought  to  feel  our  languor  rebuked,  and 
our  zeal  prGvoked,  by  fuch  praise-worthy  examples. 


A Letter  from  the  Revrend  Mr.  Morrison , late 
M ijfionary  in  China,  to  M r.  Raljlon. 

Qyang  Turg,  Dec.  30,  1807. 

DEAR  sir , 

1 FORWARD  to  you,  by  favour  cf  Mr.  Latimer,  a 
few  lines,  mentioning  my  safe  arrival  at  Canton,  and  the 
receptien  I met  with.  The  Lord  appeared  for  me  and 
opened  a door  with  less  difficulty  than  1,  or  my  dear 
friends,  anticipated.  As  1 there  mentioned,  I have  had 
some  affiftance  from  a native  who  is  attached  to  the 
Romilh  Church,  and  who  is,  tf  I am  rightly  informed, 
theii  agent  (i  e.  of  the  miffionarie4)  at  this  place  His 
name  is  Abel  Yen  Pwoin  Ming.  1 have  nothing  to  ap- 
prehend from  Abel.  But  the  Portuguese  clergy  at 
Macao  have  become  alarmed,  and  have,  in  the  opinion 
cf  feveral  gentlemen  here,  written  up  to  Pekin  ere  this 
time,  refpeding  me  ; so  that  if  the  miffionaries  there 
have  influence  enough,  the  probability  is,  that  they  will 
obtain  an  order  for  my  removal  from  the  empire.  1 am 
not  however  diftreffed  about  the  future,  “ the  Lord  will 
provide.”  If  obliged  to  leave  [this  place,}  I purpose  to 
leek  a refideuce  on  the  Island  of  Penang,  among  the 
thousands  ol  Chinese  who  are  there. 

My  opportunities  of  learning  the  language  are 
full  as  many,  or  more  than  I expedted  to  enjoy. 

I continue  with  Mr  Milner,  to  whom  you  favoured 


MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


*4* 

me  with  a letter  of  introduction.  I fhall,  however,  in 
the  course  of  two  or  three  days’  time,  begin  to  board 
myfelf  in  a plainer  way  than  in  the  famdy  on  ac- 
eount  of  the  very  heavy  expense  of  a refiaence  in  this 
country 

The  ohjeCt  before  us,  dear  fir,  in  this  attempt,  is  very 
great  and  important.  Three  hundred  millions  of  men, 
at  the  lapse  ot  eighteen  centuries,  are  without  the  book 
of  God  in  their  native  tongue  ; and  these  three  hundred 
millions  speaking  the  same  language. 

t saw,  a few  mornings  ago,  a French  mifiior.ary, 
Monv  de  le  Biflachre,  who  is  lately  from  Tonquin. 
He  has  refided  in  that  country  eighteen  years  during 
which  time  he  say,  ciieie  have  be  > three  persecutions  of 
the  chridiaus,  the  number  of  whom  he  eliimates  to  be 
260  00c. 

M ns-  R'chiney,  who,  two  years  ago,  was  ordered  to 
leave  the  empire  of  C.tina,  has  now  obtained  pernnffion 
to  remain  m. Carton  as  ••  procureui”  to  the  midinn  at 
Pekin,  i . is  s-  >d,  I don’t  know  with  what  truth,  that 
sera  . .-is  in  t ie  character  of  niiflionaries  are  expect- 
ed out  fmm  I nee. 

Some:  tr.es  pray  for  me,  my  dear  fir,  and  permit  me 
to  v h : am  v ith  chriftian  reg  ad,  your’s  in  the 
faith  ci  our  Coui  Jesus. 

ROBERT  MORRISON. 

Evan.  lat.  vol.  tv.  p.  238. 


Mijfionary  Society. 

Vizigapatam , Ea/t  Indies . 

IN  our  lad  we  mentioned  the  much  lamented  death 
of  Mr  George  Cran,  who  together  with  Mr.  Des  Gr-tta- 

\ 


142 


MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


ges,  was  fettled  at  Vizigapatam.  His  lofs  is  mod  seri- 
oufly  felt  by  his  surviving  brother,  who  had  himfelf  been 
feverely  afflicted  with  a liver  complaint.  He  was  bet- 
ter when  he  wrote  laft  ; but  many  unpleasant  fymp- 
toms  proved  that  the  disorder  was  not  eradicated. 

We  rejo:ce  that  he  has  derived  much  affiltance  from 
Ananderaver,  the  converted  Brahmin.  He  joined  the 
million  on  the  28th  of  May,  1808.  * This  evening,’  says 
the  Journal,  ‘ Ananderayer,  his  wife,  and  another  native 
chrntian,  fat  down  to  fupper  with  the  miffion  family. 
Befrre  fupper  he  offered  up  a thankfgiving  to  God,  and 
pray'ed  very  fervently  chat  the  diftinction  of  caj}  might 
beuniverfally  aboiifhed,  and  that  all  the  heathen  might 
be  Drought  with  one  heart  to  glorify  God.’ 

By  a letter,  dated  January  20,  1809,  the  following 
appears  to  have  been  the  Hate  of  the  tranflation  of  the 
feriptures  into  .he  Tetinga  language: 

* The  gofpels  of  Matthew  and  Luke  are  complete  in 
manufeript,  and  have  gone  through  the  firft  correction. 
The  gofpels  of  Mark  and  John  are  begun.  I have  now 
four  Brahmins  engaged  in  this  service.  Ananderayer 
takes  the  lead  among  them  in  affifling  me  ; the  others 
are  all  transcribers. 

This  work  has  been  impeded  lately  by  the  absence 
of  Ananderayer,  who  has  been  on  a miffionary  tour  for 
three  motnhs  to  the  fouthward  ; during  which  time  he 
preached  the  gcfpel  to  great  numbers,  who  heard  the 
word  gladly.  His  wife  was  baptifed  three  months  ago. 
I am  happy  to  fay  that  fhe  increales  in  divine  knowl- 
edge, and  that  her  conversation  is  as  becomcth  the  gofpel. 
In  (hort,  (he  is  an  ornament  to  her  prof  ffion.  She  is 
under  the  daily  tuition  of  Mrs.  Des  Granges. 

* There  are  feverai  other  natives  inquiring  after  the 
good  way,  who  are  all  under  a course  of  religious  in- 
ftruCtion.  The  young  people  in  the  fchools  have  advanc- 
ed much  in  religions  knowledge. 

Finally,  brethren,  pray  for  me,  that  I may  be  kept 


MISSION AkY  SOCIETY". 


Hi 

faithful,  to  my  work,  and  thatl'may  seethe  arm  of  the 
JLord  revealed  in  the  converfion  of  the  thoufands  of 
idolaters  around  me.  Send  more  miflionaries  to  this 
part  of  the  world.  I lament  that  Ganjum,  Chicacole, 
Rajimundry,  and  Mafulapatam,  which  are  fuch  eligible 
fields  for  miflionary  exertions,  are  entirely  deftitute  of 
the  light  of  the  gol’pe!.  In  all  thefe  the  Telinga  lan- 
guage prevails  ; and,  by  the  preaching  of  the  gofpcl 
and  the  dillribution  of  the  fcriptures,  1 hope  they  will 
foon  become  as  lklen, — as  the  garden  of  the  Lord.  An- 
anderayer  and  his  wife  fend  their  refpe&s,  and  beg  you  to 
pray  for  them. 

AUGUSTUS  DES  GRANGES.’ 

Mr.  Des  Granges  has  communicated  extratts  of  let- 
ters from  his  dear  brother  Cran,  written  during  his  jour- 
ney. They  will  be  perused  with  a mournful  pleafure, 
as  they  prove  how  much  the  work  of  the  Lord  continu- 
ed on  his  heart  to  the  very  laft.  The  loss  of  such  a 
man  is  greatly  to  be  lamented  ; but  fubmiffion  to  the 
great  Difpofer  of  all  events  becomes  us. 

* Chicacole,  December  5,  1808. 

* I am  forry  to  fay  that  this  leaves  me  in  a weak  ftate. 
When  I arrived  at  Colapollam , I felt  myfelf  confidera- 
bly  better,  but  my  bowels  in  a bad  ftate.  However,  I 
was  able  to  go  into  the  village  in  the  evening,  and  ad- 
drefs  the  poor  heathen.  They  had  killed  a cow  to  offer 
in  facrifice,  which  led  me  tofpeak  of  a more  valuable  fa- 
crifice.  They  rejoiced  to  hear  ; and  1 <vas  conftrained 
to  pray  that  God  would  fpare  my  life  a little  longei , 
that  I may  enjoy  the  pleafure  of  proclaiming  the  good 
news.  I find  this  does  me  good  ; but  ftill  1 feel  what 
I am  unwilling  to  communicate.  I leave  all  to 
God.’ 


N 


MISSIONARY  SOCIETY. 


M4 

‘ Chattel  pore,  December  17,  1808, 

* I hope  you  will  aflift  me  to  adore  the  God  of  all 

pace  for  recovering  me  fo  far,  when  1 allure  you  that 
in  leaving  Chicacole  I did  not  expeft  to  reach  this  place  : 
i even  expcfted  to  die  before  1 got  to  the  place  of  en- 
campment. God  orders  all  things  ; and  to  Him  be  all 
praile  ! 1 have  had  much  converfation  with  the  natives, 

at  leaft  once  or  twice  every  day  ; and  Sometimes  with 
ccnfiderablt  numbers  of  both  fexes.  fti  fhort,  I have 
(pent  many  pleafar.t  hours  with  them,  and  found  many 
defirous  to  hear  more  of  the  gcfpel.  Travelling  among 
the  natives,  and  proclaiming  the  good  news  of  falvation, 
is  certainly  delightful  work.’ 

‘ Chatterpore,  December  20. 

‘ I am  much  better,  though  my  cough  gives  me  a 
little  trouble  occafionally.  On  fabbath  I read  prayers 
and  preached  to  a large  congregation  in  the  cou.t- 
houfe.  It  is  very  defirable  that  a miflionary  might  be 
Rationed  here.’ 

* Chatterpore,  December  21. 

* You  will  be  happy  to  hear  that  my  health  is  much 
improved.  We  are  not  deftitute  of  friends  even  in  this 
remote  corner  ; and  I am  heartily  glad  I undertook  the 
trip  on  many  accounts  ; but  you  mull  vifit  this  place  and 
the  furrounding  country.  I wilh  the  brethren  (meaning 
Gordon  and  Lee)  were  arrived,  that  we  might  have  an 
opportunity  of  travelling  among  the  natives  ' 

This  was  the  laft  letter  he  wrote  to  Mr.  Des  Granges. 
In  fixteen  days  after  this,  he  departed  to  his  heavenly 
reft  ; and  his  works  of  love  will  follow  him.  His  re- 
mains were  interred  in  the  burying  place  at  Chicacole4 
January  6,  1809. 

Evan.  Int.  vol.  iii.  p.  585. 


EXT.  FROM  THE  DIRECT.  REP. 


Extracl  from  the  Report  of  the  Directors  of  the 
Miffionary  Society  to  their  eleventh  meeting , held 
in  London  on  the  8th,  gth,  & 10th,  of  May. 

THE  Directors  earnelly  pray  that  the  greit  Hea  l 
of  the  church  would  incline  the  hearts  of  others  to  co  aie 
forward  ; they  alfolook  to  chrifiian  focieties,  and  on  this 
occafion,  efpecially,  to  evangelical  feminaries,  for  per- 
fons,  who  to  the  radical  qu  dificar'nns  of  am  'Hon  ay, 
unite  a f icility  in  the  acquisition  of  languages,  an  i wh  i 
may  thus  be  peculiarly  fisted  for  a fervice  fo  di.lmguish- 
ed  and  ufeful  i.a  the  chriilian  church 

The  fociety,  desirous  of  furnishing  future  misli  ins  with 
tried  and  able  inftruments,  have,  for  lome  years  paft, 
fupported  a number  of  young  men  at  the  fsminary  at 
Gofport,  under  the  tuition  of  our  highly  valued  brother, 
Mr.  Bogue.  To  this  eftabliih  nent  we  owe  fume  of  th  >fe 
miffionaries  which  are  alrea  ly  gone  forth  to  the  he*u  ‘.- 
en,and  of  whofe  talents  and  piety  we  form  them  >d  favour- 
able judgment.  The  Directors  regret  much  that  fin  few 
perfons  have  hitherto  offered  themfelves  as  candid  ices 
for  millionary  fervices,  efpecially  when  the  great  advan- 
tages which  this  feminary  offers,  as  preparatory  fo  the 
work,  are  fo  eafy  of  accefs.  From  the  imull  number  of 
young  men,  in  this  fchool  of  the  prophets,  it  pleafei 
the  Lord  to  deprive  us  of  one,  a few  months  linee.  Mr. 
Owen,  a promifing  and  devoted  miffionary,  wasfuiden- 
ly  removed  by  death,  at  the  clofe  of  a day,  which,  as 
ufual  had  been  employed  in  ufeful  fludies  and  exercions. 
The  Directors  lament  their  lofs,  and  entreat  the  Lord 
to  repair  it  by  the  introduction  of  others  equally  pious 
and  devoted.  There  are  now  at  Gofport  } only  fix  ftu- 
dents  : thefej  however,  are  diligently  engaged  in  appro- 
priate ftudies  and  fome  of  them  will  focn  be  at  liberty 
:o  enter  upon  the  great  workr 


<4*5  EXT.  FROM  THE  DIRECT.  REP. 


It  would  afford  the  mod  cordial  fatisfadlion  to  the 
D.redlors,  to  fee  a larger  number  of  godly  men  offering 
themfelves  to  the  fervice  of  our  adorable.  Saviour,  in  the 
extenfion  of  his  kingdom  among  the  heathen.  From 
the  number,  the  piety,  and  the  zeal  of  our  congrega- 
tions, it  might  have  been  expected  that  many,  very  ma- 
ny, would  have  become  candidates  for  this  honourable 
work,  yea  many  more  than  the  fociety  could  poflibly  em- 
ploy ; but  they  flill  find  the  labourers  few,  though  the 
harveft  be  plenteous : they  not  only  join  with  all  their 
fellow  chriftians,  in  imploring  the  Lord  of  the  harvefi, 
more  copiously  to  pour  cut  his  Holy  Spirit  on  the  church- 
es, powerfully  canftraining  a hoft  of  willing  labourers  to 
fay,  “ Here  are  we,  fend  us;”  but  they  alfo  earneftly  re- 
commend it  to  their  reverend  brethren  to  encourage  and 
{Emulate,  by  their  animated  exhortations  and  miffionary 
fervor,  perfons  in  their  connexions,  of  piety  and  talents,, 
to  come  forward  to  the  help  of  the  Lord  againft  the 
mighty,  for  they  are  affured  that  it  is  not  fo  much  a 
want  of  zeal  as  a want  of  information  on  this  head  that 
keeps  them  back  ; and  that  a proper  reprefentation  of 
the  great  variety  of  countries  in  which  the  gofpel  is  need- 
ed, to  which  eafy  accefs  may  be  obtained,  where  protec- 
tion may  be  expelled,  and  where  the  profpeft  of  fuccef3 
is  flattering,  would  incline  many  to  prefs  to  the  work, 
efpecially  when  they  are  informed  that  in  the  miffionary 
feminary,  they  may  probably  acquire  that  degree  of  fit- 
nefs  for  the  work,  an  apprehenfion  of  the  want  of  which, 
at  prefent,  operates  as  a difcouragement,  and  keeps  them 
back. 

Evan,  Inuvol,  ii.  p.  242 


COMMISSIONERS’  ADDRESS. 


'47 

Addrejs  of  the  American  board  of  Commifjioners 
for  Foreign  MiJ/ions. 

The  American  Board  of  Commiflioners  for  Foreign 
Millions,  folicit  the  ferious  and  liberal  attention  of  the 
chriftian  public. 

The  Redeemer  of  men,  who,  although  “ he  was  rich, 
for  our  fakes  became  poor,”  juft  before  he  afcended  up 
on  high  to  give  gifts  unto  men,  gave  it  in  fpecial  ch  irgc 
to  his  difciples  to  “ go  into  all  the  world,  and  preach 
the  gofpel  to  every  creature.”  Almoft  eighteen  centuries 
have  paffed  away  fmce  this  charge  was  delivered,  an  d yet 
a great  proportion  of  our  fellow  men,  ignorant  of  the 
gofpel,  are  “ fitting  in  the  region  and  (hadow  of  death.” 
The  promise,  however,  is  lure,  that  the  Son  “ fh.ill  hive 
the  heathen  for  his  inheritance,  and  the  uttermoft  parts 
of  the  earth  for  his  poffeffion,”  and-tbat  the  world  ‘‘Ihall 
be  filled  with  the  knowledge  of  die  glory  of  the  Lord.” 
The  long  expefted  day  is  approaching.  The  Lord  is 
fliaking  the  nations  ; his  frienls  in  different  pares  cf 
Chriftendom  are  roused  from  theirflumbers;  and  unpre- 
cedented exertions  are  making  for  the  fpread  of  divine 
knowledge,  and  the  converlion  of  the  nations.  In  our 
country,  the  miffionary  fpirit  is  excited,  and  much  has 
already  been  done  for  imparting  the  gofpel  to  the  defii- 
tute  in  our  r.ew  and  frontier  fettleme'nts.  But  for  the, 
millions  on  our  own  continent,  and  in  other  parts  of  the 
world,  to  whom  the  gofpel  has  never  been  preached  we 
have  yet  thofe  exertions  to  make,  which  comport 
with  the  Saviour’s  emphatical  direffions,  and 
our  di  ft  ingu  illied  advantages  for  promoting  the 
great  objedl,  for  which  he  came  down  from 
Heaven  and  labouie d and  differed.  A new  scene*  with 
us,  is  now  opening.  It  is  afeertainsd  thit  feveral  young 
men,  of  good  reputation  for  piety  and  talents,  under  Ti- 
ered and  deep  impreifions,  hold  themselves  devoted  for 

N2 


INHABITANTS. 


life  to  the  fervice  of  God,  in  the  gofpel  of  his  Son,  a- 
mong  the  deftitute,  and  are  ready  to  go  into  any  part  of 
the  unevangelized  world,  where  providence  (hall  open 
the  door  for  theii  miffionary  labors.  Is  not  this  a divine 
intimation  of  fomething  great  and  good  ? And  does  it 
not  call,  with  impreffive  emphafis,  for  general  attention, 
and  exertion  ? In  the  pre/ent  ftate  of  the  world,  chriftian 
millions  cannot  be  executed  without  pecuniary  fupport. 
Shall  this  support  be  wanting  ? When  millions  are  per- 
ilhing  for  lack  of  knowledge,  and  young  difciples  of  the 
Lord  are  waiting,  with  ardent  defire  to  carry  the  gofpel 
of  falvation  to  them  ; (hall  those  millions  be  left  to  per- 
ilh,  and  that  ardentdefirebedifappointed?  Is  there,  then, 
inthofe,  who  are  favoured  with  the  gofpel,  the  famemind, 
that  was  in  Chrift,  when  he  freely  gave  his  own  blood 
for  the  redemption  of  men  ? Should  not  this  reflexion 
come  home  to  the  hearts  of  the  rich,  and  of  all  who, 
by  the  bounty  of  the  Saviour,  have  it  in  their  power  to 
contribute  even  their  mites,  for  the  falvation  of  thofe 
f or  whom  he  died  ! 


Field  for  Miffionary  Exertions. 

THE  harveft  truly  is  plenteous,  but  the  labourers  arc 
few  : pray  ye  therefore  the  Lord  of  the  harveft  that  he 
willfend  forth  labourers  into  his  harveft.  Mat  ix.  37,  38. 

Such  as  are  but  little  acquainted  with  geography,  or 
who  have  not  attended  particularly  to  the  population  of 
our  globe,  can  form  but  an  incompetent  idea  of  the  evils 


INHABITATS. 


*49 


un  has  produced,  and  of  the  loud  call  for  fervent  fup- 
plications  and  vigorous  exertion.  The  fubfequent  (late- 
ment,  it  is  believed,  is  fo  far  from  being  extravagant, 
that  if  error  exifts  it  will  be  found  in  its  deficiency  and 
not  in  its  excefs. 

HEATHEN  OR  PAGANS 
for  the  mod  part  worlhippers  of  idols,  of  priefts,  of  the 
heavenly  bodies,  &c. 

IN  ASIA. 


Places. 

Inhabitants. 

Samocida, 

1,900,000 

Kamtscatka, 

906,000 

Japan, 

10,000,000 

Adjacent  Ifles, 

4,9  J 5, 000 

New  Holland, 

1 3,000,000 

New  Zealand 

i,»4°,ooo 

New- Ireland, 

2,000,000 

The  Friendly,  "| 

Sandwich,  ; 

Pelew,  Iflands, 

*,300,000 

Society,  •; 

Kurile,  J 

The  Phillippine  iflands, 

150,000 

The  Calamines,  in  which  are  fom« 

catholics, 

250,000 

Hither  India, 

50,000,000 

Tibet, 

10,500,000 

Hindoftan, 

M 0,000, OOO- 

Ifle  of  Ceylon, 

2,000,000 

N-w  Britain, 

700,000 

New  Guinea, 

950,000 

New  Caledonia, 

200,000- 

150 


INHABITANTS. 


Maldives,  - 

* 

Java, 

Borneo, 

Timor, 

Iflands  in  fome  of  which  there  are 

Sumatra, 

L fnany  Mahometans. 

Celebes,  \ 

Boutam, 

1 7,000,000 

Pullo  Lout, 

l 

Molucca, 

) 

Total  in  Afia, 

226,951,000 

IN  AFRICA. 

Negroland, 

18,000.000 

Congo, 

2,000,000 

Loango, 

2,000,000 

Benguela, 

1,800,000 

Angola, 

1,500,000 

Mataman, 

2,000,000 

Ajan, 

2,500,000 

Zanguebar, 

3,500,000 

Monoemugi, 

2,000,000 

Sofala, 

1,000,000 

Terra  de  Natal, 

2,000,000 

Caffraria, 

2,500,000 

Hie  of  St.  Thomas, 

10,000 

Madagascar, 

1,500,000 

Total  in  Africa, 

42,3 10,000 

Brazil, 

IN  AMERICA.. 

15,000,000 

Chili, 

2,000,000 

Paraguay, 

10,000,000 

Amazonia, 

8,500,000 

Peru 

10,000,000 

Terra  Firma 

10,000,000 

Of  negroes  in  a hate  of  heathenism. 

The  Little  Antilles,  contain 

150,000 

The  Bahamans, 

22,000 

INHABITANTS. 


*5i 


The  Great  Antilles,  300,000 

The  Carribees  and  other  iflands,  400, *oo 

Guiana,  2,000,000 

Terra  Magellanca,  9,000,000- 

Old  Mexico,  14,000,000 

New  Mexico,  15,000,000 

Pagans  north  of  the  United  States  3,000,000 

Weft  of  the  Mifiifippi,  4,000,000 

Cumberland’s  ifles,  10,000 

Madre  di  Dios,  8,000 

Terra  del  Fuego,  5,000 

Total  in  America,  103,395,000 

Of  thofe  who  revere  the  falfe  prophet  Mahomet,  and 
who  are  captivated  with  the  errors  of  the  Koran,, 
there  are  : 

IN  EUROPE. 


Turkey,  10,000,000 

The  Tartaries,  2,000,000 

Hies  Tenedos,  Negropont  and  Lemnos  40,000 

Other  iflands  in  the  Archipelago  & Mediter.  800,000 
Total  in  Europe,  12,840,000© 

IN  ASIA, 


Turkey  in  Afia, 

Perfta,  (fe<ft  of  Ali) 

Arabia, 

Great  Tartary, 

Ifle  of  Maldives, 

Ifle  of  Boutam, 

Scattered  through  the  Indies, 
Scattered  through  the  Afiatic  ifles, 
Total  in  Afia, 

IN  AFRICA. 

Egypt, 

Nudia, 

States  of  Barbary, 

Biledulgercd, 


20.000. 00* 
2 *,000,000 

1 7.000. 000 

30.000. 00c 
100,000 

80,000- 

10.000. 000 

2.000. 000 
101,180,000 

2.000. 00© 
2,5*0,000 

3.000. 000 

2.000. 000 


1Ji 

Zaare, 


HYMN. 


. . 800,000 

Total  in  Africa,  10,300,000 

Vaft  numbers  of  Jews  are  fcattered  through  Europe 
Afia,  and  Africa,  and  a few  through  North  and  South 
America,  on  whom,  when  Moses  is  read  the  vail  refteth 
even  to  this  day. 

1 he  above  ftatement  is  drawn  chiefly  from  a work 
publifhed  by  Dr.  Carey,  in  the  year  1792,  entitled  “ An 
Inquiry  into  the  obligations  of  chriftians  to  ufe  means 
for  the  converfion  of  the  heathen.”  It  has  been  corredt- 
ed  as  far  as  practicable  by  the  works  of  geographers, 
travellers  and  navigators  who  have  written  fince  that 
t*rRe’  Pan.  vol.  i.  p.  556. 

The  Mijftonaries ’ Farewell. 

KINDRED,  and  friends,  and  native  land. 

How  (hall  we  fay  farewell  ? 

How,  when  our  fwelling  fails  expand, 

How  will  our  bofoms  fwell  ! 

Yes,  nature,  all  thy  foft  delights. 

And  tender  ties  we  know. 

But  love  more  ftrong  than  death  unites 
To  him  that  bids  us  go. 

Thus,  when  our  every  paffion  moved, 

The  gufliing  tear-drop  ftarts  , 

The  cause  of  JESUS,  more  beloved, 

Shall  glow  within  our  hearts. 


HYMN. 


153 


The  fighs  we  breathe  for  precious  souls*  J 

Where  he  is  yet  unknown, 

Might  waft  us  to  the  diftant  poles, 

Or  to  the  burning  zone. 

With  the  warm  w,ifh  our  bosoms  fwell, 

Oar  glowing  powtrs  expand  ; 

Farewell,  then  we  can  lay  farewell  1 
Our  friends,  our  native  land  ! 


Farewell  to  the  Mijjionaries . 

SOVEREIGN,  of  worlds  ! difplay  thy  pcw’r. 
Be  this  thy  Zion’s  lavor’d  hour  ; 

Bid  the  bright  morning  ftar  arife. 

And  point  the  nations  to  the  skies. 

Set  up  thy  throne  where  fatan  reigns, 

On  Afric’s  fhore  on  India’s  plains  j 
On  wilds  and  continents  unknown — 

And  be  the  universe  thine  own  ! 

Speak — and  the  world  fhall  hear  thy  voice  ; 
Speak — and  the  deferts  fhall  rejoice  ! 

Scatter  the  fhades  of  moral  night  ; 

Let  worthless  Idols  flee  the  light ! 

Truftingin  him,  dear  brethren,  rear 
The  gcfpel  ftandard  void  of  fear  : 

Go  feek  with  joy  youi  deflin’d  fiicre* 

To  view  your  native  land  no  more. 


1 54- 


HYMN. 


YeS — Chriftian  Heroes  ! — go— proclaim 
Salvation  through  IMMANUEL’S  name 
To  India’s  clime  the  tidings  bear, 

And  plant  the  Rofe  of  Sharon  there. 

He’ll  fhield  you  with  a wall  of  fire, 

With  flaming  zeal  your  breafts  infpire  5 
Bid  raging  winds  their  fury  ceafe, 

And  hufh  the  temped  into  peace. 

And  when  our  labours  all  are  o’er. 

Then  we  fhalJ  meet  to  part  no  more  ; 
Meet  with  the  blood-bought  ,hrong  to  fall* 
And  crown  our  Jesus,  Lord  of  all  l 

THE  END. 


* 


A 


